Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drug Courts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

75 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional finance and resources, if any, which will be allocated to ensure that judges in the court have a range of alternatives to custodial sentences in view of the proposals for the establishment of a drugs court pilot project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20128/98]

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

The creation of a drug courts system which would involve court supervised treatment programmes for less serious drug related offences is a key feature of the Government's programme to combat the drugs problem. In accordance with this commitment, I requested the working group on a courts commission, chaired by the Honourable Mrs. Justice Susan Denham, to consider the establishment of a drug courts system in Ireland.

On 25 September 1998, I announced that the government has approved the publication of the fifth report of the working group on a courts commission on this subject. I also announced that I had secured Government approval for the establishment of a drug courts planning committee to prepare plans for the establishment of a drug courts pilot project in the District Court early in the new year. The terms of reference of the planning committee are currently being finalised and I expect to be in a position to appoint the members of the committee shortly.

The Government is fully committed to progressing the implementation of the drug courts pilot project in the District Court. Given the integrated cross service strategy involved in the project, bringing together as it does the courts, the other arms of the criminal justice system and community services, the committee will immediately address the financial and resources issues arising. This task will involve identifying existing resources already being used in this area and potential savings which implementation of the scheme may secure in the criminal justice, health and community services fields. I am also making resources available to support the work of the planning committee and I will consider the recommendations of the committee with regard to resources for the pilot scheme when they come to hand.