Garda Operations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2008

Thursday, 13 November 2008

Ceisteanna (62)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

56 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is intended to increase the Garda search powers, promised in the Programme for Government, in relation to drug crime along the lines of the new random breath-testing model for drink driving to allow random searches at particular places, times and events when senior gardaí believe there is a risk of drugs being present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40190/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

This commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government 2007 — 2012 is under consideration in my Department. Having regard to the sensitivity and complexity of the issues involved in any significant extension of search powers, including issues of constitutional importance, I am unable to say at this stage when proposals will be available.

Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 42.