Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:214 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice if there has been an increase in the misuse of drugs in recent years; if so, the plans, if any, he has to curb this misuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [832/94]
Written Answers. - Drugs Abuse.
While it is not possible to quantify accurately the level of drug misuse, figures published by the Garda authorities in respect of drug seizures and charges for drug-related offences give an indication of the extent of the problem. This information is contained in the Commissioner's Annual Reports on Crime, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Generally, it shows that, while there has been a large increase in drugs offences since 1989, there has been a significant reduction in the level of increase in such offences since 1991.
I can assure the Deputy that, as Minister for Justice, I am determined to effectively tackle the drugs problem. I have seen to it that the drugs situation is a matter of the very highest priority for the Garda. In this regard, I am pleased to state that a number of substantial seizures of cannabis and heroin have been made by the Garda this year. Arising from these seizures, a number of prosecutions are currently in progress. I expect that these developments will have a positive effect on the level of drug related offences, particularly in Dublin.
All members of the Garda Síochána deal with law enforcement aspects of drug misuse within their operational area and there are now gardaí specifically trained in this area in each Garda Division. In addition, Garda drug squads have been established in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Special drug units such as the Task Force established in the north inner-city operate in particular areas of Dublin. These units are co-ordinated on a national basis through the National Drug Administration Office based in Garda Headquarters.
The Criminal Justice Act, 1994, contains provisions for the confiscation of proceeds of crime and deals with money laundering by criminals, including drug traffickers. In represents a major initiative against drug misuse in this country.
Proposals are being prepared in my Department, in consultation with the other relevant Departments and State agencies, to achieve maximum co-operation between the existing law enforcement agencies in relation to the illegal importation of drugs and to address other important aspects of law enforcement in relation to the drugs problem.
As regards the wider problem of drug misuse, I would refer the Deputy to the Government strategy to prevent drug misuse which was launched by the Minister for Health in 1991, and which contains an outline of the drugs problem in this country. This strategy sets realistic and achievable objectives for reduction both in the supply and the demand for drugs.