Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2008
32 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent figures showing that there are more than 10,000 registered heroin addicts here, which reflects the continued widespread availability of heroin; the additional measures he is taking to cut off the supply of heroin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40174/08]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table provides details of heroin seizures for the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive:
|
Year |
Volume |
|
2004 |
26.4 Kgs |
|
2005 |
32.2 Kgs |
|
2006 |
128 Kgs |
|
2007 |
117.8 Kgs |
|
2008* (to date) |
161.7 kg |
*To date in 2008 as at 11 November 2008.
In terms of availability, while heroin still predominates in the greater Dublin area, seizures are recorded in each Garda region throughout the State. The recent publication by the Health Research Board which indicated that over 10,000 individuals are seeking treatment for heroin addiction partially reflects both the increases available in treatment services and the extent of heroin use.
While indications are that the number of seizures of heroin continue to increase in 2008 and that while seizures of heroin are concentrated in the greater Dublin area, there have been seizures of heroin in every Garda Region. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following steps have been taken by the Garda Síochána to address the sale, supply, importation and distribution of illegal drugs: 1. the allocation of additional resources to National Units involved in combating illegal drug-trafficking and organised crime gangs; 2. enhanced co-operation and co-ordination between National Units and District and Divisional Drug Units in identifying and targeting those persons identified as involved in the sale, supply and distribution of illegal drugs and local level; 3. continued collaboration with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs & Excise Branch), the Naval Service and other international law enforcement agencies, including participation at the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre (Narcotics), in identifying and targeting those involved in the importation of illegal drugs into this jurisdiction; 4. increasing public awareness of issues relating to the sale, supply and distribution of drugs, through working with communities and community groups to encourage co-operation with the Garda Síochána; and 5. ongoing training programme for personnel as Divisional Asset Profilers, who have the specific remit of targeting assets of persons who are suspected of being involved in the importation, sale and supply of drugs at local levels.
Overall, the Government remains resolutely committed to tackling the problem through our current National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the stewardship of my colleague and Minister of State Mr. John Curran, T.D., is the lead Government Department in co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy and is currently overseeing the process of developing our new Strategy for the years 2009 to 2016.
My Department's remit in this area, while not exclusively, lies primarily in the area of drug supply reduction. Drug law enforcement remains a key feature of the Government's drug policy framework.
To further assist in our law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking, a number of new initiatives have been recently introduced. Some examples of this includes the following: the provisions introduced in the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007 which have provided for further measures which will enhance the powers of the Gardaí in the investigation and prosecution of drug offences; the ringfencing of €21 million in the 2009 Estimates to enable Operation Anvil to continue with targeted disruption of serious and organised criminal activity throughout the country; the continued increase in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána. Its attested strength will increase to almost 14,900 by the end of 2009, from its current attested strength of 14,267.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to keep the measures and resources for tackling all forms of drug trafficking under review. The enforcement of the law relating to drugs continues to be a key element in the Government's policing priorities and this is reflected in the Garda Síochána's Policing Plan for 2008.
