Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I thank the Minister who I join in congratulating the Garda — I presume that was implicit in his comments — on a very high detection rate. I was amazed when I received the additional information not provided on the floor of the House when this question was asked last month. In the first ten-month period of last year the Garda seized 12 kg of heroin with an estimated street value of €2.4 million. There has been a significant increase in the comparative figure for this year to 115.75 kg with an estimated street value of €23.1 million. Is the Minister as shocked as I am at the implications of a ten-fold increase in heroin seizures between last year and this year?

The Minister has indicated to the House that the UN office estimated that seizures of cocaine and opiates represent approximately 25% of production. If we are seizing 25%, there must be a vast volume of heroin available in the State. Does the Minister accept that despite a massive tenfold increase in the number of seizures, there seems to be no lack of availability of the drug or a fall in its price? These circumstances indicate that a vast volume of heroin is available throughout the State. Does the Minister acknowledge that the volume of heroin available in the State has increased phenomenally? If so, what specifically does he intend to do about it?

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