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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - “Ecstasy” Drug Abuse.

Bernard Allen

Question:

183 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the proposals he has to tackle the ecstasy drug abuse situation in Cork city.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is small-scale abuse of the drug known as "ecstasy" in the Cork area.

The Garda authorities are, however, very alert to the dangers of this drug and are taking all appropriate measures to counter its use in the Cork area and elsewhere in the country. These measures include, in particular, the monitoring and surveillance of the acid house party-rave disco scene and other events which attract a teenage following and where substances such as "ecstasy" may be available. I am informed by the Garda authorities that as a result of their activities in the Cork area, there were three seizures involving 106 "ecstasy" tablets since the drug was first introduced last year and a further four seizures involving 44 tablets are at present being analysed. I am also informed that prosecutions have been taken or are pending in respect of these seizures.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the problem of "ecstasy" abuse can be dealt with effectively as part of their ongoing strategy for dealing with the drug problem generally in this country. I would refer the Deputy in this respect to my response to a question which he tabled on 19 February this year on the problem of drug abuse in Cork (Dáil Official Report, volume 415 No. 9. columns 2469 to 2471) in which I gave details of the very extensive Garda response to the drug problem in the Cork area.
I am of course concerned about the growing drug problem, including the use of "ecstasy". In this respect I recently held a conference with senior gardaí on the problem and I have given my full backing to the use of all the resources necessary to combat the scourge of drugs.
The Deputy can be assured that the problem is being kept under continuing review.
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