asked the Minister for Justice whether he intends to increase the size of the drug squad in Dublin and set up provincial drug squad units.
41.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Problem.
40.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí to date who have received training in drug detection; and where this training was received.
42.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in respect of each of the years 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970 the number of convictions for illegal drug peddling and drug possession.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 to 42 together. The number of convictions for unlawfully supplying drugs in the years mentioned was as follows: 1967, nil; 1968, 4; 1969, 2; 1970, 2. The number of convictions for unauthorised possession of drugs was, 1967, nil; 1968, 8; 1969, 50; and 1970, 62.
As regards the allocation of gardaí to this work, I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 10th December last to a similar question. There has been no change since. I am not prepared to disclose information about training as this could serve to put offenders on their guard. I can say, however, that the possibility of improving the present arrangements is kept under review.
Can the Minister give the number of gardaí involved? I do not remember the number.
Seven.
Will the Minister say why he will not give the number of gardaí involved in training?
I have given the number, seven.
Who have been involved in training?
There were seven full-time.
On the drug squad?
Yes.
Have they received training?
They have.
Where?
I cannot go into that.
Would the Minister say where the training was received?
Some in Dublin and some in England.
Does the Minister intend setting up a provincial drug squad?
In due course, I would say, yes.
Does the Minister intend to expand the present drug squad?
That question is under review at the moment.
Could I ask further if the Minister intends to increase the penalty in view of a statement of a justice recently that he would deal as harshly as he could with drug peddlers in future? He warned drug peddlers but he found himself limited to imposing a penalty of six months for the peddling of drugs combined with the penalty of six months for the possession of drugs.
That is 12 months which is the maximum a justice may impose.
Does the Minister feel these penalties should be reviewed and increased?
That could be done but you would have to make it an indictable crime if you wanted the penalty increased because the justice has no power to——
Does the Minister not think this should be done?
Question No. 43.