Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I understand gardaí have the power to inspect premises with regard to potential or actual drug misuse in a public house setting. There is a different issue, legally, in regard to private homes. The Minister is a lawyer but I am not. However, I understand the law on the matter is that if one were to specify a raid on a private home with regard to potential or actual drug misuse, there would be a requirement for a warrant. Powers may be available to the Garda under general public order legislation if a house party were being conducted in a way that was clearly a threat to public order in a neighbourhood. I hope that provides the clarity the Deputy seeks. I am sorry I cannot conflict with the Taoiseach on this vital matter.

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