I welcome the success of An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service in targeting the supply of drugs — both nationally and internationally — with the resultant continuing high levels of seizures on land and at sea. I am aware that these achievements are based on an intelligence-led approach and I am know that both organisations are committed to continuing to work together to reduce the amount of illicit drugs entering Ireland.
In particular, I would like to congratulate the Gardaí and the Customs and Naval Services on last week's record seizure of cocaine off the Cork coast. Given the global nature of the drugs market, it is vital that jurisdictions ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach across national boundaries. The most recent Cork seizure demonstrates that Ireland is playing a full role in this regard, and that this is paying off. The various organisations, including dedicated units such as Criminal Assets Bureau, carry out their work in a spirit of co-operation and help to the mutual benefit of this and other countries.
Indeed, Ireland is one of the 7 EU countries involved in the establishment of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre — Narcotics (MAOC-N) in 2007 in Lisbon. The Centre was set up to co-ordinate efforts to counter the movement of cocaine, in particular, from South America into Europe. It played a crucial role in the recent successful operation and I believe that it will continue to facilitate similar counter measures in the future.
I have no plans for meetings in the short-term with the Ministers for Justice Equality & Law Reform, Education & Science and Environment, Heritage & Local Government to discuss drugs seizures. However, officials of those and other relevant Departments continue to meet on an on-going basis through the structures that underpin the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. They are also engaged in developing proposals on a new Drugs Strategy through the Steering Group established for that purpose and I expect to be receiving recommendations in this regard in New Year.
I am determined to ensure that the new Drugs Strategy will continue to prioritise supply reduction efforts and the continued seizure of drugs, with a negative impact on the overall drugs trade.
