Vol. 458 No. 5
146 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases involving illicit drugs which are awaiting the results of the Central Laboratory; the length of time required to analyse the substances being found on persons in ever increasing numbers as a result of the increasing successes of the Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17122/95]
154 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself with the average period of four months before a result is available where gardaí refer substances for drug analysis to the Garda Forensic Laboratory. [17287/95]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 146 and 154 together. There are at present a total of 2,596 drug cases awaiting analysis in the forensic science laboratory. I am satisfied that the laboratory is meeting the requirement to test all drugs cases, within the six months period decided as appropriate by the High Court, in all cases proceeding to court.
