asked the Minister for Justice in the light of the high incidence of drug abuse in the country, if he is satisfied with the level of detection; if he intends to increase the drug squad significantly; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Written Answers. - Drug Abuse.
507.
Limerick East): I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 1983 a total of 1,822 persons were charged with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Figures for 1984 have not yet been assembled but the Garda view was that there was a general fall in the level of drug trafficking in 1984. The allocation of manpower to combat drug abuse is primarily a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that there are no proposals at present to allocate additional manpower to the permanent units of the drug squad and that the current vacancies in the squad will be filled in the near future.
As I mentioned in reply to previous questions, it is misleading to suggest that the Garda response to drug offences is to be measured by the size of the drug squad. The drug squad is simply one special unit with a particular role. There are now over 2,000 other members of the force with specialised training in anti-drug offence work and, apart even from that, all members have a role to play. The Garda Síochána are fully committed to their role in combating drug abuse but of course it is a problem which also requires a response from various other groups and indeed society as a whole.