Michael Joe Cosgrave
Question:69 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the representations he made during his EC Presidency to have a year designated European Year Against Drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fight Against Drug Abuse.
I would refer the Deputy to (i) the reply I gave in this House on 22 May to related questions, (ii) my statement in the House on 4 July on the outcome of the European Council meeting here on 25-26 June and (iii) the Presidency Conclusions of that meeting.
I would summarise these documents by saying that the European Council has asked for priority action on money laundering, on co-operation with Colombia to help it transfer to substitute products and on trade in chemical precursors used in refining drugs. The Council also asked CELAD to prepare for its next meeting in Rome a comprehensive European plan to combat drug abuse, while the TREVI Group has been asked to speed up work on issues such as a European programme of training for law enforcement officers and the establishment of a European central drugs intelligence unit.