Vol. 409 No. 5
3 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the additional steps he intends to take to deal with the escalating drugs problem facing this country; if he will outline the up-to-date position on the likely consequences of the opening of the borders in Europe after 1992 in so far as drugs traffic is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On 2 May 1991 the Minister for Justice set out in detail, in reply to questions tabled by Deputies Mitchell and Durcan, the specific measures which have been taken to counteract drug related criminal activity in this country. I am sure the Deputy does not expect me to go over the same ground again. I shall, therefore, confine my remarks to a few essential points.
We are aware of growing concern that this menace, which was brought within bounds in recent years, is re-emerging as a problem on our streets. We have discussed this issue in depth with the Garda authorities who, while reporting an increase in level of drug seizures in recent years — mostly cannabis — say there is no question of the problem being on the scale which existed some years ago.
I would like to assure the House that the drugs problem is continuing to receive priority attention from a law enforcement point of view. All members of the Garda Síochána deal with law enforcement aspects of drug misuse within their operational area. In addition, specific Garda drug squads operate in Dublin, Cork and Limerick and at present small specialist units are in operation in Dublin's north inner city, Ballymun, Ballyfermot and Tallaght. Similar specialist units are set up on a temporary basis in other areas as required. The strategies employed include intelligence gathering and analysis, surveillance, targeting and monitoring the activities of suspects, as well as routine investigations. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the strategies are proving very effective.
On the legislative side, the Minister for Justice has announced plans which I believe will make a major contribution towards the fight against drugs. Very shortly legislation will be published to provide for the seizure and confiscation of the proceeds of drug trafficking and money laundering. I have no doubt that this legislation will be widely welcomed.
However, law enforcement on its own will never solve the drugs problem. This is an area in which the role of parents, teachers and other agencies caring for our young people is at least as important as the Garda response.
The need for a national drugs strategy has been recognised by the Government. My colleague, Deputy O'Hanlon, Minister for Health, recently launched the Government strategy to prevent drug misuse. Our intention is to tackle the drug problem on every front. Realistic and achievable objectives have been set for the reduction of both the supply of and the demand for drugs.
My colleague, Deputy Reynolds, Minister for Finance, in reply to a question tabled by Deputy Spring on 22 May 1991 gave details of the compensatory measures which will be taken by law enforcement agencies in member states to combat drug trafficking arising from the removal of internal frontiers in the European Community at the end of 1992.
What steps is the Minister taking to enlist community support from parents, teachers, schools, youth organisations, residents' associations, churches and the news media to enlist their support to try to deal with the increasing drug problem? Is the Minister aware that there is direct evidence of an increase in drug taking and in the number of house break-ins and muggings because of the need to feed this habit?
I have been chairman of the National Co-ordination Committee on Drugs for the past year and we have just put together a very detailed report. The committee was made up of representatives of all the relevant Government Departments, representatives of statutory bodies and the Garda Síochána, various community groups and youth organisations and professionals working in the field——
I know all about that. What steps are being taken?
Deputy Barrett said that the drugs problem is on the increase. We have been informed by the Garda authorities that, while there has been an increase in the level of seizures of illicit drugs and in the number of people charged with drug related offences, they are satisfied that they are coping well with the situation.
Does the Minister not have any ideas?
They have informed us that they monitor the situation very closely and review their strategies on an ongoing basis. While I cannot go into detail on particular Garda strategies, they involve close liaison nationally and internationally with customs authorities and other police forces so that the supply of illicit drugs will be curbed. If we can do that we will reduce the demands here——
What steps is the Minister taking?
If Priority Question No. 4 is to be disposed of it must be replied to now.
Where is the Minister for Justice?
The Minister is a very busy man.
If he had been here we might have got some answers.
Deputy Barrett does not want to accept that we have taken major action on a series of fronts in every area.
Question No. 4, please.
