John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

The Dial-to-Stop Drug Dealing Campaign was officially launched last week on 30 September. The initiative involves a number of local and regional campaigns, which will be run through the mechanism of the local and regional drugs task forces. The campaigns are being designed to encourage people to provide any information they may have on drug dealing — anonymously if required — through a confidential telephone line. This information will then be forwarded to the Garda Síochána for appropriate follow-up action. Under Phase 1, five local campaigns will be launched on the following dates: Dublin north east LDTF on 8 October; Tallaght LDTF on 9 October; Blanchardstown LDTF on 17 October; south west RDTF on 20 October — date to be confirmed; and north inner city LDTF on 28 October — date to be confirmed.

Each local campaign has been tailored to the requirements of each area as identified by the drugs task force, working closely with local communities. The input and co-operation of local communities is essential to maximise the effect of the campaign in their areas. Each task force has identified the most suitable advertising method for its community and this will be done in a variety of ways, for example, by household door drops, posters in retail outlets and pubs etc. The leaflets and explanatory information will also be available in schools, community centres, public areas and sports clubs.

Campaigns in the remaining task force areas will be rolled out over the coming months. In addition to providing further information, which will aid the Garda's efforts in tackling drug dealing in local areas, it is expected that campaigns will have significant added value in promoting greater links between the community and the Garda and in promoting drug awareness at community level.

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