Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
270 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding policing issues to deal with the drugs crisis on the north side of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5144/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the response by the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dea, on my behalf, to the similar matter put down by him for the Adjournment debate of Wednesday, 11 February 2004, which dealt comprehensively with the Government's strategy on drugs.
Regarding the enforcement area, the Garda Síochána has the primary role in enforcing the laws regarding drugs and tackling the individuals and organisations that profit from drug trafficking. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the policing response to the issue centres on several basic principles, namely: conducting intelligence-driven operations against criminal networks involved in drug distribution at both a national and international level; undermining the structures and systems which support that activity; depriving criminal organisations of the proceeds arising from drug trafficking and related activities; and working with communities and organisations endeavouring to reduce both the demand and supply of drugs in society.
The Garda Síochána sets out its strategies in its annual policing plans, which task Garda units operating at a national level to counteract organised crime, drug trafficking and money laundering. Those include not only the Garda national drugs unit, but also the Criminal Assets Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Garda bureau of fraud investigation. All the activities of those units are co-ordinated under the assistant commissioner responsible for national support services. Those units work in close co-operation with several dedicated divisional drug units, which are tasked with addressing drug distribution at a local level.
The activities of the Garda Síochána in combating organised crime associated with drug trafficking have recorded considerable successes in apprehending those involved, as well as seizing substantial quantities of drugs.
In addition, the Garda Síochána works with communities and organisations seeking to reduce the demand for drugs. That includes active participation on the five local drug task forces operating on the north side of Dublin, as well as community policing forums operating in both the north inner city and Cabra areas. The Garda Síochána has also initiated 64 diversionary projects throughout the State aimed at addressing the needs of young people at risk from a variety of issues, including substance misuse. Ten of those projects operate on the north side of Dublin.
While it is acknowledged that substance misuse continues to be a significant issue, the Garda Síochána's successes in tackling criminal drug activity have been considerable. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 is strictly enforced on Dublin's north side, with a dedicated staff of three sergeants and 14 gardaí in addition to those performing regular mobile and foot patrols.
