asked the Minister for Justice the training Garda recruits receive to familiarise them with the problems arising from drugs abuse; if he is satisfied that the training is adequate, in view of the increasing extent of the problem, particularly in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Drug Abuse Training.
14.
While the programme of training for Garda recruits includes training in relation to drug abuse in the areas of investigation, detection, prevention, means of identification and the side-effects of the various types of drugs in circulation, it is necessary to stress that the Garda Síochána are not relying primarily on this initial training in so far as their involvement in combating the drug problem is concerned. All members of the force have a role to play in dealing with drug offences as part of their ordinary Garda duties, and for the past few years an intensive training programme has been in operation in the force to ensure that each Garda division has a substantial number of members with additional special training in the prevention and detection of drug abuse. Already approximately 1,300 members, representative of all Garda divisions, have received this specialised training. These members are not attached to any of the permanent units of the drug squad but work in close co-operation with those units in dealing with drug offences.
That reply seems to be satisfactory but to clarify it, did the Minister say training was available to all gardaí or only to recruits? Are in-service training courses available to gardaí apart from recruits?
The question relates to the training of Garda recruits but I can give the Deputy further information. Drug investigation is Part of standard induction training for every member of the force and all members are regarded as preventive officers in this regard. During basic training part 1, each recruit receives two hours of lectures on the theory and law in relation to drugs from a sergeant instructor in the training centre. Further lectures over three hours are given by members of the drug squad covering the areas of detection of drugs, means of identification and side effects of the different types of drugs currently in circulation. Samples of drugs are available among the members to help them in identification and films are shown to demonstrate further the extent of the drug problem. Before Part 1 training concludes, recruits are given a prepared lecture by the training centre authorities on their powers of search and arrest under the relevant drugs legislation. Particular reference is made to the Misuse of Drugs Act.
When did that training start? In other words, are there gardaí on the beat with that training, or has it started only recently?
There are 1,300 gardaí throughout the country who have received this specialised training and the objective is to ensure that this drug problem is not left only for the drug squad.
What relationship is there between these training programmes and the work of the Health Education Bureau? How far do the training programmes go in relation to the preventive role vis-á-vis schools and contact with young people?
I do not have that information but I imagine the work of the Health Education Bureau would be in more general terms; this is more specific to the Garda.
Would the Minister agree that two years ago the Health Education Bureau undertook a major programme in conjunction with the Garda to increase the level of understanding on the preventive side as well as the other aspects which have been covered? This might answer Deputy Mac Giolla's question.