Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Border Drugs Unit.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

774 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current position in relation to the initiation of a Border drugs unit to help combat the substantial problem which exists in Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1670/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda national drugs unit, which has a national brief, is directly concerned with policing the drug problem in Border counties. In addition there are also divisional drug units in the northern region. These drug units regularly liaise with the national drugs unit in relation to specific drug suspects operating in their respective divisions. It should also be noted that many members of An Garda Síochána, including those based in the Border counties have received training in relation to policing the drug problem.

The Garda authorities believe that the national unit in conjunction with the dedicated divisional units, backed up by the other gardaí involved in mainstream policing, adequately police the existing drug problem in the Border counties. Consequently, there are no immediate plans to introduce a new structure such as a Border drugs unit. I am assured by the Garda authorities, however, that policies concerning the policing of the drug situation throughout the country are reviewed on an ongoing basis.