Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the importance of this question. The review to which I referred earlier on the principle underpinning mandatory sentencing is still under consideration by my Department. On completion of that consideration, I would be happy to share the contents of the review with Deputies and, more particularly, the justice committee.

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources.. That said, the Deputy makes a reasonable point regarding areas that present particular challenges. A number of very significant seizures have been made in recent times by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in conjunction with the Revenue's custom services. At Dublin Airport, 15 kg of heroin with an estimated street value in excess of €2 million were seized. Another consignment of drugs with an estimated value of €4.6 million was intercepted at Rosslare Europort. At my regular meetings with Garda management, I am happy to continue to voice the concerns of Deputies and, in this case, those of Deputy Brendan Smith regarding the Cavan and Monaghan area. I assure the Deputy of the active engagement of the appropriate units of An Garda Síochána, particularly the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

See this speech in context