Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Drug Seizures.

Tony Gregory

Question:

239 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent of the seizures of crack cocaine in 2000 and to date in 2001; the location of any such seizures; and if the Garda will assess the potential threat posed by the availability of this drug. [3628/01]

Pat Carey

Question:

253 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of residents, particularly in the inner city of Dublin, about the availability of crack cocaine; if the gardaí have realised their concerns about this new drug; the action which can be taken to eliminate this latest scourge, having regard to a letter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3975/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 253 together.

I am well aware of the concerns of local communities with regard to the drugs problem and dealing with this issue remains one of my highest priorities.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were four seizures containing cocaine base, crack, with a combined weight of 72.6 grammes, during 2000. All of these seizures occurred in the Dublin metropolitan region; three in the north central division and one in the south central division. The gardaí have also informed me that there have been no seizures of cocaine base this year, to date. I am assured by the Garda authorities that they continuously monitor and analyse the trends and patterns in illicit drug use based upon seizure data. They are well aware from foreign experience of the addictive and behaviour changing nature of crack cocaine and in this context, the incidence of cocaine base usage will be kept under review, with the utmost urgency being attached to investigations in this area.