Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes or had discussions on the expansion of the pilot drug court concept to cover the Tallaght area. [24402/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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On 9 January 2001 a pilot programme was launched in the Dublin District Court and the north inner city was chosen as the location. The programme marked a major policy initiative in the criminal justice system. It was designed as an alternative measure for dealing with less serious and non-violent drug offenders. In July 2002, the project was evaluated by expert consultants at the end of the 18-month period. They recommended that the project be extended and the catchment area be widened to include the Dublin 7 area.

I welcomed the recommendations contained in the report and supported the extension of the drug court to the full Dublin 7 catchment area. The Courts Service will evaluate its operation in the extended area shortly. An informed decision can then be taken on a further expansion.