Crime Levels.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Ceisteanna (377)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

417 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests made since January 2000 in the area of Dublin city bordered by Meath Street, Thomas Street and Francis Street in which the detainee was found in possession of drugs; the type of drugs in each case; the number that were also found in possession of a weapon; the number of the arrests which resulted in release without charge; the number that are still awaiting a decision from the DPP; and the number that resulted in conviction. [29084/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of arrests made since January 2000 in the area of Dublin City bordered by Meath Street, Thomas Street and Francis Street in which the detainee was found in possession of drugs totals 615. The type of drugs seized were predominantly heroin, cocaine and cannabis.

It is unclear what is meant by the term "weapon" in this instance, but I am informed that, of the 615 detainees, approximately 30% would have been in possession of a syringe. The majority of arrests made would have resulted in the detainee being released without charge pending analysis of the drugs seized by the forensic science laboratory. There are no related files currently with the DPP awaiting a decision as to prosecution. Approximately 76% of the cases have resulted in a conviction.