Vol. 450 No. 6
2 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline to Dail Éireann details surrounding the discovery of a large amount of cocaine on a beach in County Clare recently; the progress of the investigation into this discovery; the steps, if any, she intends to initiate to prevent the importation of illegal drugs into this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5381/95]
27 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Justice whether she intends to establish a National Drugs Enforcement Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5386/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 27 together.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that on 26 February 1995 a bale was located by a local person on the shore at Fanore. County Clare. The bale, which had apparently been washed up, contained approximately 20 constituent packages weighing 20 kilogrammes in total. Tests carried out at the Forensic Science Laboratory indicate that the substance contained in these packages is cocaine. The investigation is, of course, at an early stage and it is not yet known where the bale originated. However, because of the significant size of the find the Garda consider it most unlikely that the drugs were destined for the domestic market.
The find in County Clare once again reminds us of the need for constant vigilance when it comes to drugs trafficking. This applies equally to whether drugs are intended for the domestic market or, alternatively, imported for transhipment to elsewhere in Europe or other countries. In each case, it is imperative that all possible measures be taken to prevent the importation of this lethal cargo. In so far as the law enforcement agencies are concerned, we will not become a soft touch for drug traffickers who may entertain notions that we are a convenient back-door to Europe. We have an international responsibility and we take it seriously.
I am aware that from time to time fears have been expressed with regard to the vulnerability of the south-south west coastline which is very long and has many remote piers, coves and other scheduled areas. For this reason, it has been the subject of special attention from the various law enforcement agencies concerned. In so far as the gardaí are concerned, there is a strong emphasis in the divisions along the seaboard on the problem of drug trafficking and gardaí have received specialised training.
I know that there has been some public concern about the level of co-ordination between the various law enforcement agencies charged with the fight against drugs. For this reason, a senior official at the Department of Justice is finalising a report designed to identify the best arrangements for achieving a cohesive and co-ordinated response to the drug trafficking problem. I intend to bring proposals to Government very shortly based on the report.
While I cannot, of course, set out today what these proposals will be, I can respond to the question as to whether a drugs enforcement agency should be established. This matter was considered in detail by my predecessor and, having looked at it afresh. I have come to the same conclusion as she did. I am not convinced that the establishment of a separate drugs enforcement agency would be appropriate to the drugs situation as it pertains in this country. For this reason, my proposals will be designed to enhance the co-operation and effectiveness of the existing law enforcement agencies. To this end, I will bring forward practical proposals designed to ensure maximum co-ordination and co-operation between the Garda, the Customs and Excise Service and the Defence Forces in the fight against drug trafficking. I should also add that Ireland is a party to the Europol Drugs Unit which exchanges information and intelligence about the movement of drugs. We have a full time liaison officer in that unit in The Hague.
Does the Minister accept the assertion by the Cork State solicitor that anti-drug teams are starved of resources and, if so, what does she intend to do about this problem?
The Garda Commissioner has assured me that any resources required by the drugs teams are made available. I do not believe, however, the present system can be absolutely watertight to prevent the drug hauls that are coming into the country. I commend the gardaí on the number of major drug seizures in recent months. My objective in bringing proposals to the Government will be to ensure that every possible resource required to rid us of the scourge of illegal drugs will be given to the gardaí and the other agencies involved.
Does the Minister accept reports, for example, that a customs work to rule has resulted in overtime being eliminated and that numbers in the Drugs Squad have been reduced by two? How can she say this is consistent with a genuine attempt to prevent the importation of drugs?
The Deputy will have to table separate questions to the Minister for Finance on the issue regarding customs as it is not my responsibility. With regard to the changes in the deployment of gardaí, it is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide how manpower is deployed within the force. If the Deputy wants to highlight a particular instance I will be glad to talk to him about it later.
Does the Minister agree that there is what is perceived as faction fighting between the various authorities fighting drug trafficking?
I have heard reports going back some time of a lack of cohesion between the services fighting the importation of illegal drugs through ports around Cork and Clare. That is why I am determined to ensure this kind of cohesive co-ordinated approach is introduced as soon as possible so that there cannot be any criticism of gaps in the system that allow such reports to emanate.
