asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the spread of the drug known as "crack"; and whether the Garda Síochána have any particular proposals to counter its importation into Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Importation.
5.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no evidence of "crack" being available in this country. The Garda are monitoring the whole drug problem very closely and they are taking all appropriate measures, in co-operation with the customs authorities, to prevent the importation here of all illegal drugs, including "crack". These measures include close international co-operation and efforts to detect any evidence there may be of attempts to bring "crack" to this country or to increase the supply of cocaine, from which it is derived.
The question is rather timely. Last evening in the south of England there was a police riot as a result of a raid on a bar which was involved in the use of "crack". I am surprised to hear the Minister say there is no evidence of the availability of "crack" in this country. If it is widespread in Britain, as it appears to be, we can be assured that it is on our streets in Dublin. Has any research been done into this matter? What preparations have been made for dealing with the problem in the light of the fact that it is far more difficult to deal with a drug of this kind as distinct from heroin? The effects of this drug are very serious. There is large-scale dumping of it on the British and European markets. We would have our heads in the sand if we were to suggest that there is no evidence of "crack" in this island.
When the Garda authorities talk about evidence they are talking about clear-cut evidence. They are very much aware that "crack" is available and in over supply in America. Consequently there is a danger that it will be brought to the European market in substantial quantities.
It is here already.
There is a big supply available at present. The Garda authorities have assured the Minister that the situation is being closely monitored and they are very conscious of the danger. They are working closely with the British authorities in this connection. The Garda authorities have advised me that the seizures of cocaine have been falling steadily in recent years. In 1985, 293.17 grammes were seized; in 1986, 170.7 grammes were seized, while the figure in 1987 was 30 grammes. There has been a decline in the seizures of cocaine. I understand that the provisional figures for 1988 are of the same order but Deputies generally will realise that vigilance is of the greatest importance in this area. The Garda have assured the Minister that they are being particularly vigilant at present especially because of the supplies that are known to be freely available elsewhere.
I understand from my limited knowledge of this drug that its use eventually leads to violent behaviour, which is a serious aspect of the increase in the taking of this drug. What progress has been made in relation to the combined effort of European Ministers for Justice to face up to the reality of 1992 when trade barriers will be removed and the transportation of drugs, like everything else, will be far easier? Has there been any movement at all in establishing a European intelligence agency to coordinate information from the member states?
This is a separate question but I can assure the Deputy that the Minister and his colleagues in Europe take the matter very seriously and would be concerned about the implications of 1992vis-á-vis freedom of movement. Accordingly, they have had meetings to discuss the measures which they would propose in the light of the 1922 developments.
Let us proceed to deal with other questions.