Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak about this pilot programme in the House. Much drug dealing takes place in public houses. Moreover, there is a great propensity for multi-drug use with alcohol consumption. Publicans have a legal responsibility to ensure that drugs are neither traded nor consumed on their premises.

Last Christmas the supply control committee of the Dublin north inner city drug task force, of which I am chairman, linked up with Store Street Garda station through the good offices of Inspector Gus Keane, a very active member of the supply control committee. Inspector Keane organised several meetings with the proprietors of public houses in the north inner city. We explained the need for publicans to ensure their premises were drug free. Large posters were produced, advertising the publicans' responsibilities and displaying dedicated telephone numbers with "dial to stop a drug dealer" emblazoned, for display in each public house. The Garda funded the cost of these posters. Large quantities of beer mats were made available for distribution on bars and tables in public houses.

The programme has been in operation for 12 months. There was originally a slow take-up, but it was very important that all publicans bought into the programme. They turned up in large numbers at the meetings. Anecdotal evidence suggests the initiative is providing encouragement to people to reject drug dealing and refrain from drug consumption in public houses in the area. Publicans have signs prominently displayed. They are happy with the initiative, happy to participate, and they feel reassured by their ability to demonstrate they are actively implementing the law by preventing drug dealing and drug consumption on their premises. It is reassuring for them to have these signs prominently on display and to have corresponding beer mats on the tables.

This is a practical initiative that adds to the curtailment of the activities of drug pushers. If it was rolled out nationwide, it would make a valuable contribution to the fight against drug abuse. I call on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to take steps to mainstream the "dial to stop a drug dealer" programme as quickly as possible. If the programme were successfully established on a wide basis, it could be extended to other retail outlets in community areas such as off-licences and shops. There could be bus stop advertising too and we could begin the process of creating drug free zones where a premises would have on display material stating it is drug free — steps to ensure this have been taken.

This is a practical initiative which, in so far as it has been operational, demonstrates that it has good effect. It is not a very expensive programme and requires no extra personnel or staffing. Costs would be limited to the necessary materials. The steps involved are to organise several meetings, explain what is intended, explain the law and get the programme operational.

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