asked the Minister for Justice if, having regard to the serious drug abuse problems which exist in the country at present, he will consider increasing the strength of the drug squad; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
51.
Written Answers. - Drugs Abuse.
50.
asked the Minister for Justice the present size of the Garda drug squad; if he will consider, in view of recent evidence that heroin is available on a large scale in areas of central Dublin, an immediate increase in the number of gardaí in the drug squad and assign an increased number to the Dublin central areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
52.
asked the Minister for Justice the number and rank of gardaí employed full time in connection with drug abuse in November 1982 and 1 June 1983.
53.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of officers and members of the Garda Síochána who have received specialised training since August 1982 on the control, detection and abuse of drugs under the Health Education Bureau programme.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 to 53 together.
May I emphasise at the outset that while the number or strength of the drug squads is of course a relevant factor, it is misleading to speak or think of the drug squads as the primary arm of the Garda Síochána in their dealings with drug offences. The drug squads are support units but all members of the force have a role to play in dealing with drug offences as part of their ordinary Garda duties and a large number have been specially trained in the more difficult or complex investigation of drug abuse.
The allocation of Garda manpower to specialised units like the drug squads is a matter for decision by the Garda authorities in the light of their assessment of needs and having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services. I am informed that on 1 November 1982, two inspectors, eight sergeants and 36 gardaí were engaged full time in the prevention and control of drug abuse and the corresponding strength on 1 June 1983 was two inspectors, eight sergeants and 36 gardaí. The current operational strength of the permanent units of the drug squads is forty-four and the Garda authorities say that this strength is considered reasonable having regard to the number of members throughout the force who have been and are being given intensive training in the detection and prevention of drug abuse, and the fact that all members of the force have a responsibility in the matter as part of their general duties. The situation is, however, kept under constant review and the tactical approach may be changed from time to time.
Following a recent review of resources aimed at making better use of existing manpower, the drug squad unit based at Dublin Castle and the operational drug unit formerly based at Garda headquarters have been amalgamated under the control of a detective superintendent at Dublin Castle, who also has responsibility for the serious crime squad and it is intended that the amalgamated drug unit and the serious crime squad will in future work more closely together in a combined effort to combat drug offences and other drug-related serious crime.
As I have indicated already the fact that the strength of the drug squad is not being increased does not mean that additional Garda resources are not being made available to tackle the drug problem. Drug abuse is included as part of the standard induction training of every member of the force and all members are regarded as preventive officers in this respect. Furthermore, for the past two years an intensive training programme has been in operation in the force to ensure that each Garda division has a substantial number of members specially trained in the prevention and detection of drug abuse and working in close co-operation with the drug squads. Already a total of approximately 850 members have completed this training course.
Members of the Garda Síochána do not attend drugs training courses under the Health Education Bureau; the Garda authorities operate their own training programme which is structured to meet Garda needs.
I should like to take this opportunity to emphasise that, while the Garda clearly have a substantial role to play in controlling drug abuse, the problem is in large measure a social one, an effective approach to which depends on the co-operation of a variety of interests including parents, educational authorities, the health and social services and the general public. Deputies will be aware that a Special Task Force on Drug Abuse under the chairmanship of the Minister for Health, which was established by the Government at the end of April, has been reviewing the drugs situation with particular reference to the inner city area of Dublin.