Vol. 531 No. 3
361 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to the concerns expressed in relation to the alleged massive increases in the use of crack cocaine in Dublin's inner city (details supplied); and if he has initiated any emergency measures, in consultation with the local communities, to address the current and emerging problems. [5440/01]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there were four seizures containing cocaine base (crack), with a combined weight of 72.6 grammes, during 2000. All of these seizures occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region; three in the North Central Division and one in the South Central Division. The gardaí have also informed me that there have been no seizures of cocaine base this year, to date.
A special operation is in place to investigate the appearance of crack cocaine and a particular group is being targeted in this regard. I am assured by the Garda Authorities that there is no evidence to suggest a growing presence or the widespread availability of crack cocaine in Dublin or elsewhere in the country and that they continuously monitor and analyse the trends and patterns in illicit drug use based upon seizure data. They are well aware from foreign experience of the addictive and behaviour changing nature of crack cocaine and in this context, the incidence of cocaine base usage will be kept under review, with the utmost urgency being attached to investigations in this area.
