Vol. 411 No. 4
20 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the serious and increasing problem of drug pushing which is taking place in areas of Tallaght, Dublin 24 (details supplied); whether arrangements will be made with the appropriate Garda authorities to bring this appalling situation under control; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a specialist unit consisting of five gardaí was set up in September 1990 specifically to tackle the incidence of drug dealing in this area. In addition the area concerned receives ongoing attention from Drug Squad personnel, from normal Garda patrols and from the neighbourhood gardaí who are assigned in a full-time capacity to these estates.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the measures taken to counteract this activity have proved quite successful. There have been a considerable number of detections for drug-related offences; many of these cases are in fact currently before the courts. These measures are continuing and the Garda are monitoring the situation closely.
The Garda authorities have assured me that the matter is being kept under review and that any further action that may be required to tackle the problem in this area will be taken.
