Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent comments in a publication (details supplied) indicating that there is an increase in demand and availability of cocaine recently in the North and that much of the cocaine entering the region is sourced from the Republic; and if he will make a statement on the action being taken to counteract not only demand but also supply. [5733/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Intelligence available to the Garda Síochána indicates that there is cross-Border movement of controlled drugs in both directions.

The Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been involved in a number of joint drugs investigations which have resulted in significant seizures, including seizures of cocaine. There is and continues to be close co-operation between the two police services in this regard. Whenever available information so merits, and if appropriate, the Garda and PSNI authorities initiate a joint investigation or operation with the objective of seizing illicit drugs and apprehending traffickers.

In September 2004 the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland launched the first ever joint threat assessment on cross-Border organised crime. The threat assessment covers a number of crime areas, including drugs. Following on from the launch of the joint threat assessment the two police forces are working closely together to further develop the strategic response to cross-Border organised crime.

The Deputy will appreciate that demand reduction relating to cocaine use in Northern Ireland is not an issue into which the Garda authorities can have any practical input.