Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 5

Written Answers. - Drugs Problem.

Liam Burke

Ceist:

89 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, in view of the serious escalation of the drugs problem in Cork and elsewhere, if she will consider the establishment of a multi-force unit provided with all the modern resources necessary to combat this particular form of urban terrorism; if she sees any particular role for personnel of the Defence Forces in such an establishment, especially for intelligence gathering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [88253/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I will bring certain proposals related to inter-agency co-operation in the fight against drug-trafficking to Government in the near future. While I cannot comment on those proposals in any detail at this stage, I can say that they will address the issue raised in the question.

As regards the drugs situation in Cork, which is specifically referred to by the Deputy, a number of significant seizures have been made by the Garda this year. Investigations into the cases in question are at an advanced stage and files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions in due course. The drugs situation in Cork, as elsewhere, is receiving special attention and the Garda authorities are satisfied that the resources at their disposal are sufficient to deal with the problem.