Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2011
62 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans or initiatives to deal with low and mid-level drug dealers, not only to arrest and convict, but to disrupt their operations and to ensure they do not profit from their business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31234/11]
View answerTackling serious crime including drug trafficking remains a key ongoing priority both for the Government and for An Garda Síochána.
These priorities are clearly reflected in the Garda Policing Plan for 2011. A key action in the Plan is the proactive targeting by An Garda Síochána of drug trafficking, including low-level drug dealing.
Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner at An Garda Síochána's National Support Services, the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau are pursuing their respective remits.
As part of this structure, a strategic partnership has been established between the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau to particularly target those criminals and criminal groups believed to be deriving profits and assets from drug-related criminal activity.
In addition, the Criminal Assets Bureau continues to utilise the services of criminal assets profilers located in Garda Divisions throughout the country. The Bureau uses the valuable local knowledge supplied to them by these profilers to target the assets of known drug dealers in local communities.
The role of the Criminal Assets Bureau in tackling those involved in drug dealing, and the Bureau's focus on middle and lower ranking criminals, was acknowledged during the public consultation process which informed the development of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016.
With regard to further initiatives, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government includes a commitment to strengthen the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau in relation to the forfeiture of the proceeds of crime.
In this regard, an Expert Group, has been established under the auspices of my Department, to review the operation of the Proceeds of Crime legislation with a view to identifying possible improvements which would serve to enhance the powers of the Bureau. When that work concludes I will bring forward my proposals in the normal way.
