John Ellis
Question:541 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the efforts by the Garda to combat the drug problem in the Border midland and western region. [11962/01]
Written Answers - Garda Operations.
Enforcing the law in relation to drugs is one of the key strategic goals identified in the Garda Síochána Corporate Strategy Document 2000-04. The area covered by the Border midland and western region incorporates nine Garda divisions and each district and division has drawn up specific plans to deal with drug distribution within their area of responsibility.
Specific resources have been allocated to target drug dealers at a local level. Drug units have been established in Garda divisions with the specific remit of targeting local dealers and areas where drug dealing is believed to be taking place. A number of units have received tactical training in targeting operations. Covert operations, including Operation Cleanstreet have been undertaken by local gardaí with the assistance of the Garda National Drugs Unit.
Provisional figures for the year ending 31 December 2000 show that over 277 cases under section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act were detected throughout the BMW region. The Garda have also given drug talks in schools and to community and voluntary groups in the region as part of their demand reduction initiatives. A pilot education scheme, the SUMITT programme, has been developed in four counties in the region in collaboration with the Midland Health Board.
A total of 14 Garda youth diversionary projects are currently in operation within the BMW region. These projects are designed to provide preventative and interventionary activities to young people thereby reducing the incentive for them to engage in anti-social activities including crime, vandalism and substance misuse. Policing plans are revised on an annual basis in order to ensure that strategies are kept up to date with requirements.
Question No. 542 answered with Question No. 491.