Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fight Against Drug Smugglers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

37 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there is sufficient co-ordination in the battle against drug smugglers between his Department, the Revenue Commissioners and Customs and Excise and other Departments, the Garda Síochána and the Navy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I am satisfied that there is already a high degree of co-operation between all the Government agencies in the battle against the drug smuggler. This has resulted in a number of significant drug seizures in recent times, particularly off the South coast. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the dedicated people involved who work diligently, sometimes at considerable physical risk, to protect the community from the drugs menace.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Justice is having a report prepared by her Department with a view to establishing the scope for further improvements in co-operation, the sharing of information and intelligence and in general ensuring that there is the maximum level of co-operation by all the agencies involved in the fight against drugs smuggling. The report is being prepared in consultation with all concerned, including the Revenue Commissioners, and will contain recommendations aimed at avoiding any difficulties or misunderstandings which may have arisen at operational level in the past.

I shall consider with my colleagues in Government any proposals arising from the report for improved measures or strategies for tackling the drug smuggling threat.