Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that this matter is taken seriously by my Department and me, and by the Garda Síochána. That is why I referred to the engagement on the part of the Garda with a range of other agencies on the international stage, seeking to ensure that we adopt international best practice here and that the Garda is engaged in a way that ensures a rapid exchange of information and best practice to combat the sale and trafficking of drugs online, including the use of postal express courier services, emerging techniques and dealing with the engagement on the darknet.

As well as European engagement, An Garda Síochána also liaises with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Ireland is also represented at the international drug enforcement conference, which is attended by more than 100 countries annually. It is important that we build these relationships from a criminal justice perspective and from a national point of view. We will continue to advise on the dangers of engaging in the use of illegal drugs, in particular cocaine, and on the fact that those who are engaged in its consumption are responsible for many of the gangland, organised crime and drug-related deaths in our communities.

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