Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 2

Written Answers. - Drugs Problem.

Ben Briscoe

Question:

29 Mr. Briscoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, there have been at EU level to attack and minimise the crime and drugs problem which is now a scourge in each member state; and the plan of action, if any, that may be established within this State to tackle this problem. [14849/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The matters raised by the Deputy are for the Minister for Justice, who is responsible for the issues involved at national level. The Minister for Justice also represents Ireland in the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The issues raised by the Deputy should therefore be pursued with that Minister.

I should of course say that the fight against crime, and particularly the need for joint action against the drugs menace, has been recognised as an issue requiring greater co-operation at EU level. For example, at the reflection group which is preparing for next year's Intergovernmental Conference, there is widespread agreement that the existing provisions on Justice and Home Affairs in the Treaty need to be reviewed. With this in mind, an Interdepartmental Committee chaired by the Department of Justice is considering Ireland's approach at the Intergovernmental Conference to the issue of drugs and crime.