Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

Hospitals are no different to other public buildings in that there is always the potential for drug dealing on the premises or in the surrounding area. In this instance a report appeared in the newspaper and St. James's Hospital refuting the allegations of systematic drug dealing within the hospital. The Deputy has said that information came from a staff member. If any staff member has that information, he or she should make it available to gardaí as soon as possible. The hospital authorities have been working closely with gardaí and I mentioned the liaison between them and Kilmainham Garda station.

Illegal drug dealing is the last activity we want to see associated with hospitals. We do not want to facilitate that. Every effort will be made to stamp out any illegal drug dealing taking place. We have a number of security measures in place. We would like to get the co-operation of any staff members with particular information and any helpful information they have should be passed on to gardaí.

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