Vol. 438 No. 3
49 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if she is concerned at the increasing number of attacks involving the use of blood-filled syringes, in some cases infected with the HIV virus, in the north inner city of Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am very concerned at attacks, mainly in the Dublin area, on innocent victims involving the use of blood-filled syringes. So as to avoid creating an unwarranted level of public anxiety, however, I should make the point that the number of these attacks or threats of attack is relatively small in relation to the overall level of drug related crime.
The Garda authorities are fully aware of the seriousness of such attacks including the very traumatic effect on the unfortunate victims. I can assure the Deputy that the Garda are taking all possible measures, including patrolling and surveillance to deal with the situation. It is not an easy situation to deal with given the availability of syringes and the fact that victims can be put under threat of attack even where the contents of the syringe — whether it be blood or otherwise — are not actually life threatening.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that they would advise that any person unfortunate enough to be the target of such an attack should seek immediate medical care if they have any fear of contamination. For their part, the Garda will render every possible help and assistance.
I have dealt at length with the drugs situation in this country on several occasions in the past and again today in response to questions put down by a number of Deputies. I have made it clear that the drugs problem is a matter of the highest priority for me and for the Garda Síochána.
