John Bruton
Question:240 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, being taken to deal with the increased availability of cocaine in Ireland. [16185/97]
Written Answers. - Drugs Availability.
The Garda authorities are fully committed to measures to decrease the national availability of all types of controlled drugs, including cocaine. I should point out that recent statistics on cocaine seizures would not support claims of increased availability of cocaine. There has been no let up in anti-drugs activity yet only 3.5 kg, provisional figure, of cocaine were seized in the period January to July 1997 compared with 642 kgs of cocaine seized in 1996.
The Garda national drugs unit, in conjunction with dedicated drugs units throughout the country, are working on a full time basis to eliminate the street supply of all controlled drugs — including cocaine. The gardaí work closely with the Customs and Excise service. Joint task forces comprising members of An Garda Síochána, Customs and Excise and Naval Services are set up as necessary to co-ordinate strategies for the seizure of drugs and the apprehension of the criminals involved.
Members of the Garda national drugs unit and officials from my Department and others are actively participating in international co-operation to control drug trafficking. In particular we are participating in the Latin American drug conferences taking place within the EDU at The Hague which are specifically aimed at reducing the supply of cocaine into Europe.
Two members of An Garda Síochána are in place as drugs liaison officers in Madrid and The Hague and it is expected that these appointments will greatly assist the gardaí in combating the supply of all drugs into Ireland.
As we all know, dealing with the drugs problem requires more than supply control measures. The Garda and my Department are involved with other Departments and agencies in attempting to deal with the demand for drugs. An example of this multi-agency approach to broader drugs problem is the national drugs strategy team which comprises representatives from the relevant Government Departments, including my Department, the Eastern Health Board, An Garda Síochána and a representative from the community and voluntary sector.
In addition the Garda authorities tackle the demand side through their drug awareness programme. This programme involves local gardaí giving talks and advice to various groups throughout the country.
The Deputy can be assured that this Government is totally committed to dealing with the drugs problem and will not hesitate to take further measures as necessary.