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Drug Abuse.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004

Wednesday, 13 October 2004

Ceisteanna (163)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

164 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent survey carried out in the Killanarden area into cocaine being sold in the area; his views on whether extra resources are now needed to tackle the supply of hard drugs including cocaine and heroin in this area; and if there are new initiatives he proposes to introduce to address the problem of drug abuse in this specific area. [24711/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I understand from the Garda authorities that a profile of cocaine users in Ireland was co-ordinated by the organisational development unit at Garda headquarters under an EU programme. The Tallaght district was included in the study.

I further understand from the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as at 12 October 2004 was 170 for all ranks. This compares with a total strength of 133 for all ranks at 1 January 1998 and represents an increase of 37 or 27.8% in the number of personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since the latter date. The Garda authorities have stated that they will keep this resourcing allocation under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Tallaght area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

The Tallaght drugs unit consists of one sergeant and eight gardaí. These resources are at times supplemented by the Garda national drug unit, for example, for certain searches. The situation relating to drug abuse and sale in the area is constantly monitored in an effort to curtail the problem. The drug unit sergeant regularly attends meetings of the local drugs task force and local residents' associations where information is gathered and problems discussed. Killinarden Community Centre is represented on the local drugs task force. Drugs conferences at the Garda national drug unit are also attended on a monthly basis. At these meetings trends are assessed and recommendations made to combat problems.

A Garda youth diversion project by the name of KEY, an acronym for Killinarden Enhancing Youth, has operated in the Killinarden area since 1991. One of the aims of the project is to divert young people away from crime, including substance abuse. It is within the project's remit to refer participants with drug related problems for drug treatment and counselling.

In addition, Garda juvenile liaison officers attached to Tallaght Garda station work with young people who have come to the attention of the Garda Síochána in connection with criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. Juvenile liaison officers can refer young offenders to Garda youth diversion projects or in cases where drug abuse is an issue, to available counselling/treatment services.

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