Bernard J. Durkan
Question:175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether he has applied a zero tolerance policy in relation to drug abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6873/98]
Written Answers. - Drug Abuse.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent of the success in 1998 of his policy to combat drug abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6874/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
I am committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards crime, particularly, but not exclusively, towards drug trafficking. The Criminal Justice Bill, 1997, is clear evidence of this policy. Under the main provisions of this Bill, persons trafficking in drugs to the value of £10,000 or more will face minimum sentences of ten years. The Bill also allows trials to take place more quickly through the abolition of preliminary examinations. Courts will also have the power to initiate an inquiry into the assets of people convicted of drug trafficking offences with a view to confiscating those assets.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an aggressive policy has and is being pursued by An Garda Síochána in obtaining evidence to bring drug traffickers before the courts. Major drug trafficking organisations have been disrupted, large quantities of drugs seized and significant drug trafficking criminals have been charged before the courts.
Various Garda operations, including Operation Dóchas, Operation Main Street and Operation Clean Street, are also proving very effective and a number of persons are currently before the courts charged with drug offences arising from these operations. The anti-drugs policy also extends to the prisons system where offenders convicted of drug supply are serving their sentences in full. The continued effectiveness of the Criminal Assets Bureau and other legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996, are also major weapons in the fight against the scourge of drug abuse.
Drug abuse is also being tackled by the 13 local drugs task forces which have been set up in the areas most severely affected by the heroin problem. To date, the Government has approved £10 million to implement the action plans prepared by the task forces to tackle the drugs problem in their areas. The process of implementing these plans has commenced.
In addition, the young people's facilities and services fund has been established by the Government this year with a budget of £30 million to be spent over three years. The initial allocation of £1.25 million for this year has been increased to £7.5 million. The fund will support a variety of capital and non-capital projects in disadvantaged areas, particularly those affected by the heroin problem. Detailed arrangements for the operation of the fund are currently being finalised and will be submitted to Government for approval as soon as possible.
On an international level, Ireland actively supports the EU's determination to fight organised crime, including drug trafficking, which is reflected in the many joint actions which have been adopted, or are under discussion. These joint actions, when fully implemented, will greatly facilitate the fight against organised crime.