Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following matter, namely, the fact that the value of drugs seized last year almost doubled from €89 million to €160 million; that the number of drug offences rose by over 20%, with offences of cultivation, manufacture and importation increasing by almost 60%; the number of homicide offences rose by one quarter, many as a result of drug crime and that the number of recorded shootings rose by 10%; the abject failure of the Government's policies to date; and the urgent need for a greater focus on gangland and drug-related crime from all Departments, including through robust law enforcement. A number of recent significant seizures by the Garda in my area in the past week are to be welcomed. This highlights the need for resources for drugs units to be doubled at least and for an increase in resources allocated to drugs education and awareness initiatives, treatment services and rehabilitation programmes.

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