Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would like to mention the work of gardaí in Limerick in respect of this matter. In fairness, they have responded and made arrests and seizures. I have no doubt that they share my frustration. I speak to them on an almost daily basis regarding the continued operation of the drug supermarket. They, in the main, have responded whenever I have raised concerns directly with them. I thank them for this.

The focus of our discussion is the Department of Justice's response to the issue in Limerick. This is a very important part of the response but it is not the only aspect of it. This is an issue that requires a cross-departmental response.

I mentioned earlier that the scale of drug dealing does not happen in a vacuum. Another important element of the rise of the sale of crack cocaine is the lack of funding for the drug and alcohol forum. The Mid-West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum in Limerick had its funding cut every year from 2008 to 2014. Despite the escalation of the drugs crisis, funding for many groups has been effectively frozen since 2014. The lack of proper funding has severely affected the delivery of services for communities. We need to restore funding to 2008 levels at least as soon as possible, while ensuring that the responsibility of implementing local drugs strategies remains local. Failing to do this would be a big mistake.

As already stated, local people are becoming despondent and need to see some tangible results, such as the closure of the infamous drug supermarket.

Funding and outreach groups such as Ana Liffey Drug Project that could go and meet people in their own areas across Limerick would have a very positive impact and would be money well spent. When I raised the issue last year the Minister responded positively. She invited all local Oireachtas Members to meet with her in order to air their concerns and put forward solutions. I would be amenable to meet with the Minister again in respect of this matter, which is of great importance to the people of Limerick.

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