Ivor Callely
Question:74 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the measures, if any, she intends to introduce to address the issue of drug-related crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2861/95]
Written Answers. - Drug-Related Crime.
I am providing the Garda with the necessary resources, in terms of personnel and equipment, to deal with the various issues confronting it, including drug-related crime, as effectively as possible. With particular reference to drugs, the following measures have been taken to deal with the problem: the co-ordination of all Garda drugs units on a national basis; the establishment of drugs units in each of Dublin's five Garda divisions and the co-ordination of their activities through the central drugs squad; the monitoring of the drugs situation on an ongoing basis and the regular review of Garda strategies to meet changing circumstances; measures towards the launching of a major Garda operation against drug dealing in the north innercity of Dublin; maintaining the closest international co-operation in the fight against drugs — in this regard, the European Drugs Unit is expected to play an increasingly important role in this objective, a liaison officer from the Garda is serving with this unit; and measures towards the full implementation of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 which provides for the seizure and confiscation of the proceeds of drug trafficking.
I also intend to bring to Government as soon as possible proposals designed to identify the best arrangements for achieving a cohesive and co-ordinated response to drug trafficking by the existing law enforcement agencies. Taken together with measures to reduce the demand for drugs and to provide for increased access to treatment and rehabilitation programmes, I am of the view that the above measures represent the most comprehensive response ever taken in this State to deal with the drugs problem.
Figures available from the Forensic-Science Laboratory — where all drugs seized by the Garda are analysed — show that 5,379 cases were sent for analysis in 1994. Of the drugs analysed to date, records show that the Garda has seized 3,368 grammes of heroin. Indeed, when all the 1994 cases have been analysed, it is likely that the figures will show that the Garda has seized over 4,500 grammes in the course of the year.