Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cork City: Drug-Related Offences.

Peter Barry

Ceist:

50 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons charged and convicted of drug-related offences in Cork city in each of the past three years; the present strength of the Cork Drug Unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of persons charged and convicted of drug related offences in Cork city in each of the past three years is as follows:

Year	No. Charged	No. Convicted
1990	351	182
1991	409	305
1992	752	385

The current strength of the Drug Squad based at Anglesea Street Garda Station is one Detective Sergeant and 11 Detective gardaí under the command of a Detective Superintendent. This squad has the necessary back-up of the local crime task force which comprises of two Sergeants and 15 gardaí. In addition, all members of the Garda Síochána deal with law enforcement aspects of drug misuse within their own operational area.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied with the allocation of manpower available to the Cork Drugs Squad, which has doubled since early 1992.