Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 703: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to roll out the drugs court nationwide; when this is likely to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34241/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The pilot drug court programme was launched in the Dublin District Court on 9 January 2001. Dublin's north inner city was chosen as the location from which to operate the pilot drug court. The pilot drug court programme marked a major policy initiative in the criminal justice system and was designed as an alternative measure for dealing with less serious and non-violent drug offenders. The project was evaluated by expert consultants at the end of the 18-month period in July 2002. They recommended that the pilot 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. A further evaluation of the operation of the court in the extended area will be carried out shortly with the Courts Service, after which an informed decision can be taken in relation to its further expansion.