Vol. 440 No. 2
71 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if there has been a noticeable increase in drug dealing activities in the Dublin area recently; if the identities of drug pushers in the city are known by the Garda authorities; if there are organised groups involved in drug trafficking; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I have dealt at length with the situation concerning drugs on several occasions in the past, most recently on 3 February 1994 in response to a number of questions raised on the subject (Official Report, Volume 483, Columns 726 to 733) in which I mentioned a number of developments in the Dublin area including in particular the appointment of a detective superintendent to head the Central Drug Squad at Harcourt Square, on a full-time basis.
I am aware that particular concern has been expressed about the level of drug activity in certain parts of Dublin. I have met with the Garda authorities to discuss the matter and recently visited the Meath Street area with the Assistant Garda Commissioner with responsibility for the DMA, to see at first hand the problems in the locality. I am informed by the Garda authorities that in Dublin there is a number of small groups involved in the drugs scene and that these are the subject of surveillance and their activities are closely monitored in co-operation with law enforcement agencies abroad. This co-operation has resulted in a number of important seizures.
I would like to assure the House that the drugs situation in Dublin, as elsewhere, is a matter of the highest priority both for me and the Garda Síochána.
