asked the Minister for Justice whether the Garda Síochána have any special section to deal with drug peddling among young people; and whether his Department have any liaison with the educational and health authorities and bodies connected with youth.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Peddling of Drugs.
52.
General responsibility for dealing with problems concerning the use or abuse of dangerous drugs rests with the Department of Health and, accordingly, any question of liaison with health authorities, etc., is a matter for that Department.
As far as the Garda Síochána are concerned, there is close liaison between them and the Department of Health in this field.
Certain members of the Force are given special responsibility for the investigation of complaints of drug-peddling and similar matters but it will be appreciated that the publication of any details would have a damaging effect on their work.
Would the Minister think that it is helpful in present circumstances his Department do not appear to have any remedial measures for people who are found involved in this tragic traffic? He will recall that a pretty savage sentence was handed out within the last week to a young man who appealed against a previous sentence. He got a year as distinct from five months on the previous occasion. Does he not think that there is a need for a different approach to this matter, emphasising the remedial instead of the punitive aspect?
That is a separate question. The question of rehabilitation is not a question for my Department but one for the Department of Health.
Surely the Minister would agree that, when it comes before the court, it involves our district justices in a pretty new problem and that traditional measures or punitive measures are not the way to eradicate the problem and that he should consider discussions with this in view?
I do not think court decisions can be discussed here.
It does not arise.
Did anybody bring to the notice of the Minister the front page article on the Evening Herald last night? Has the Minister any comment to make on it?
I have neither read nor seen it.
The Minister should. It is his job to see these things. Is the Minister aware that a Garda spokesman is alleged to have said that the situation is out of control in this city? Would the Minister have any comment on that?
My comment on that would be that it is the usual baloney dished out in the evening papers as alleged comment from Garda sources. If Garda sources have comment to make they will make it officially.
May I ask does the Minister not differentiate distinctly between the unfortunates who have become addicts of drugs and the criminals who make a profit out of peddling drugs and will it not be the policy of his Department, in making this distinction, to press for the heaviest penalties on those who prey upon the unfortunates who have become addicts?
The Deputy's views certainly coincide with mine.
Would the Minister be prepared to state the extent of the peddling and the use of drugs in this city?
I should need notice of that Question. So far as my information goes at the moment it is not widespread.
Is the Minister aware—and this cannot be gainsaid— that there has been an increase in the number of court cases in the last two months to an alarming degree? This cannot be denied as mere Evening Press or evening newspaper baloney. Has the Minister anything to say on that?
I should prefer to comment when I see the actual figures. I am as much concerned as any Deputy in the House about any increase in drug traffic of any kind in the city. On the other hand, I am realistic enough to know that, considering the situation in the country of our nearest neighbours, we are bound to get some of it here. I have much better information than the newspapers.
(Interruptions.)
I wish to raise the subject matter of this Question on the Adjournment.
It is only very recently the Minister said there was not any drug traffic.