Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 5

Written Answers. - Prevention of Drug Trafficking.

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

75 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has sought EU funding for the provision of extra detection equipment to try to eliminate the landing of drugs on the Irish main-land which is being used as a base for future distribution into Europe; and if so, if she will give details of these new projects. [15720/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

No funding has been sought by my Department from the European Union for drugs detection equipment. However, I understand that the Revenue Commissioners have received EU funding of approximately £500,000 for equipment used to counter drug trafficking.

In so far as my own Department is concerned, it is expected that the EU Commission will approve EU funding of IR£200,000 for a special training course to be run by the Garda Síochána in 1995 and 1996. This will be aimed at police from a number of member states who are involved in the operational aspect of the prevention of drug trafficking.