Vol. 486 No. 1
764 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the situation in relation to a flats complex (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will ensure that a comprehensive plan is put in place to deal with the breakdown of law and order there, including the provision of all the necessary back up and resources for the Garda Síochána. [1538/98]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a local Garda drug unit was established at Kilmainham station to confront the drug problem in the area. Under Operation Dóchas, three uniformed gardaí patrol this area on a daily basis. These gardaí are supported by mobile units which patrol the area on a 24 hour basis. I am advised by the Garda authorities that significant seizures of heroin, cocaine and cannabis have been made in the area which has resulted in prosecutions under section 3 and section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 to 1984. I am assured by the Garda authorities that the area will continue to receive the appropriate Garda attention.
As the Deputy will be aware, and as I witnessed myself during my visit to the area last week, the gardaí together with statutory and voluntary agencies are united in their efforts to confront the problems of this area. A task force, set up in November 1993 to deal with the many social problems afflicting the area, resulted in the development of a community based drug treatment programme to provide treatment for the drug addicts who reside in the area.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the corporation has set up an effective estate management system, which provides for liaison with the gardaí to facilitate the effective enforcement of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997.
The local drugs task force for the area prepared a service development plan which was submitted to the national drugs strategy team. The Government has approved funding of £820,000 to support the implementation of this plan. Projects to be developed in the task force area include the employment of full-time community development workers, the setting up of a rehabilitation centre, the employment of a drugs education co-ordinator and the setting up of a counselling and therapy unit.
A community policing forum has been proposed by the local drugs task force and is being actively considered in consultation with the various relevant State agencies. The Government has approved funding for such a forum which I consider would contribute in a positive way to improved policing and communication in the area concerned.
The Government has decided that a priority requirement is to ensure a more focused and better co-ordinated response by the statutory authorities to the needs of the communities with the greatest levels of disadvantage. New procedures to achieve this objective are being developed by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Flood. These will be developed in four pilot areas initially, including the area referred to by the Deputy and will be introduced subsequently in the other urban areas of greatest need. A budget of £750,000 has been provided to the Minister of State for this purpose in addition to the moneys provided in the young people's facilities and services fund.
I am satisfied that the measures that I have outlined above represent a comprehensive response to the problems in the area.
