Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

In recent weeks Garda authorities have increased the number of gardaí assigned to drug intervention issues. The interagency approach which is key to all of this is being constantly monitored. In the last number of weeks I have had a number of meetings to ensure the interagency approach is beefed up, for want of a better term.

I had an interesting meeting in July with a group largely representing fishermen from the Howth area. They represented fishermen from Arklow up to the Balbriggan and Drogheda areas. Customs authorities are looking at a pilot project which would engage the coastal communities in supporting intelligence-led, community-based interventions. With such an indented coastline, there is very little chance that every single cove can be monitored so the commitment of the coastal communities is very valuable and the authorities acknowledge their ongoing support.

This can be built upon and with the new satellite and tracking technology available now, co-operation between the fishing and leisure industries and the statutory authorities could lead to significant further progress.

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