Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Key components of the new drive will include an increase in the number of drug detection dog teams. Training in this regard is ongoing and all teams will be fully operational by the end of May. The introduction of a standardised screening procedure across the prison estate will ensure a consistent response to this issue in all of our institutions. The confidential telephone line to which I referred earlier and which is similar to that used by An Garda Síochána will come into operation shortly. I urge any person with useful information regarding the smuggling of drugs into prisons to use this service and assist the authorities in tackling this problem. As we are aware, intimidation can take place in respect of people who may be visiting prisoners. We want to ensure that people in possession of information or intelligence relating to this matter will report it by means of the confidential telephone line. All of these initiatives will be put in place. There was a reduction in the amount of drugs available in prisons in 2014. However, the Irish Prison Service is committed to reducing the figure in this regard even further, particularly in light of the negative effects - including self-harm, assaults, bullying and, unfortunately, even death - to which drugs smuggled into prisons can give rise.

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