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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 8

Written Answers. - Drugs Conference.

James McDaid

Question:

12 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to a statement made at the drugs conference in Bundoran, County Donegal, by a Detective Superintendent (details supplied), who heads the RUC Drugs Squad, that there is no co-operation between the Irish Navy, the Irish Customs and Excise and very little with the gardaí in relation to the cross-Border drugs problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19780/96]

I understand the tone of newspaper reports of statements made at the conference may have been misleading.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that relations between the Garda national drugs unit and the RUC drugs unit are excellent and that there are regular meetings between both agencies to exchange intelligence in relation to drug smuggling across the border.
While it is not the practice of the Minister for Justice to give detailed information to the House about individual Garda operations, I can confirm that the co-operation between the gardaí and RUC extends to involvement in a number of joint operations in relation to drugs.
The Customs national drugs team was set up in 1992, with specific responsibility for detecting and preventing drug smuggling. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Customs national drugs team maintains direct contacts with Customs administrations in other jurisdictions, including Northern Ireland, with whom there is extensive exchange of intelligence.
In October 1995, the Irish Revenue Commissioners and H.M. Customs and Excise signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at combating cross-Border fraud and smuggling, including drug related activities. This memorandum further developed the already close co-operation between the two agencies.
The Deputy also referred to the role of the Navy. While responsibility for the prevention of the cross-Border drugs problem rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners I am advised that the Naval Service responds effectively to requests from the civil authorities for assistance in combating the illegal importation of drugs.
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