I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 105, 404, 406 and 412 together. My predecessor sought a report from the gardaí on the operation of the relevant sections of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act in the context of renewing those provisions under section 11 of the Act. No report was sought from the courts on the matter but I understand that it would be unusual to have sought the comments of the Judiciary on the operation of legislation in such a context.
The report received from the Garda authorities was confined to setting out statistics in relation to the operation of the relevant sections and indicating that the legislation had proved beneficial to the Garda Síochána in the investigation of drug trafficking offences. A report based on this was laid before the Dáil and Seanad by my predecessor on 25 June 1997. On 7 July I laid before both Houses a second report which was based on the report laid by my predecessor with updated statistics in relation to the operation of the relevant sections — the updating was necessary because of the time-limits contained in section 11 in relation to the period to be covered by the report.
Subsequently my Department notified the Garda authorities by letter of the passing of the resolutions by both Houses continuing in force the sections in question. The question of seeking further observations from the gardaí at that stage obviously would not arise in the circumstances which I have outlined.
I met yesterday with the President of the District Court and the Garda Commissioner to discuss matters arising in connection with the nomination of judges under the Act.