asked the Minister for Health how often his Department is briefed by the Department of Justice regarding the activities and findings of the Garda drug squad; and if his Department will consider incorporating the data received from the drug squad in publishing a monthly report of the drug situation to be circulated to all members of the medical profession.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Drug Squad.
My Department does not rely solely on information by the drug squad in assessing the situation regarding drug abuse. As recently announced, earlier this year I established a co-ordinating committee on drug abuse comprising representatives of relevant Government Departments and other bodies to ensure that there is a full exchange of information on drug abuse and that, where necessary, effective action is taken as speedily as possible to deal with matters arising in relation to this problem. The Department of Justice and the drug squad are represented on this body, which meets at approximately two-monthly intervals. In between these meetings my Department is in contact with the drug squad and with the other bodies concerned as frequently as the situation demands.
The establishment of the committee put on a more formal basis the contacts which my Department has had with the Departments and bodies concerned.
I do not consider the circulation of a monthly report as suggested by the Deputy would be warranted.