Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

A large number of gardaí are involved in operation Anvil and the CAB. We are determined that the CAB will go after drug dealers. The change involves gardaí becoming operational at all levels rather than dealing only with bigger issues of criminality. It is an operational issue for the Garda Síochána.

On the question of the establishment of a witness protection scheme, Deputy Flanagan's question related to whether such a scheme if put on a statutory basis would make a difference. This is not considered a crucial issue from a Garda Síochána point of view. Obviously, if it were, we would not have a problem with it. As recently as yesterday the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform discussed this issue with the Garda Commissioner who is of the view that no benefit would be gained by its being placed on a statutory footing. The real issue is the willingness of witnesses to participate in the scheme. It seems clear that putting it on a statutory footing would have no effect and this is a big issue for us.

Deputy Kenny spoke about cocaine parties. This issue is being addressed by the Garda Síochána. I agree with the Deputy on that matter. We need not debate it. One must set an example.

If we want strong justice and home affairs arrangements we must ensure that our common law procedures are fully adhered to and that we have the power, within the Justice and Home Affairs Council, to deal with these issues. We do not take the same view as the United Kingdom on those issues. Our view is to participate fully in the debates on justice and home affairs. There are times when qualified majority voting would not be the wisest decision for us. We will draft a declaration that we believe is in Ireland's best interests.

Deputy Kenny expressed concern about border crimes. We are totally committed to maintaining protection of our borders. Some of the issues dealt with by the Justice and Home Affairs Council are not in line with our criminal justice system and it is not in our interest to be part of them. We must keep an Irish perspective on these matters. In many cases our position is closer to that of the United Kingdom, although not in all cases

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