Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the extent of usage of cocaine as the drug of choice by many people; the efforts he is making to counteract its use; the penalties involved for conviction for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6682/06]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of cocaine users; the number of prosecutions taken and convictions acquired in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6683/06]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the extent and availability of cocaine and the resources available to the Garda Síochána to detect and confiscate the drug; the extent of cocaine confiscated in the past three years; the estimated value of same; the estimated value of cocaine imported illegally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 to 551, inclusive, together.

The National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 addresses the problem of drug misuse across a number of pillars — supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research — and implementation of the strategy across a range of Departments and agencies is co-ordinated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Government is aware of the increased prevalence of cocaine usage in recent times. Efforts to tackle it are broadly based to include measures aimed at both supply and demand reduction, including awareness initiatives. The national strategy specifies a number of supply reduction targets for the Garda Síochána in terms of all drug seizures and the force has achieved considerable successes in regard to these targets to date.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that their strategies for dealing with drug offences are designed to undermine the activities of organised criminal networks involved in the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs, including cocaine. These strategies include gathering intelligence on individuals and organisations involved in the distribution of drugs, including the support structures underpinning this activity; conducting targeted operations on criminal networks based on intelligence gathered; and working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies both within and outside the jurisdiction to address the national as well as international aspects of drug trafficking and distribution. The Garda authorities further inform me that these strategies continue to result in operational successes, including successes against cocaine trafficking. The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs, including cocaine, at local, national and international levels is constantly monitored by the Garda.

Regarding resources, the Garda national drug unit works closely with divisional and district drug units in detecting and preventing the sale and supply of illegal drugs. Where necessary, these resources can be supplemented by Garda personnel operating at local level. The needs of drug units are and will be kept under ongoing review, including in the context of distributing the additional resources being made available arising from the Government's decision to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000.

Numerous data sources are used to determine the extent of drug usage within society. These include drug treatment and law enforcement data, as well as official survey data at national level. For several years, all these data sources have recorded consistent increases in the incidence of cocaine usage, albeit from an initial low base.

The joint prevalence survey undertaken in partnership between the national advisory committee on drugs and the drugs and alcohol information and research unit in Northern Ireland is generally regarded as providing the most reliable baseline data on drug prevalence in Ireland. This study, which surveyed 8,442 people aged 15 to 64 in Ireland and Northern Ireland between October 2002 and April 2003, reported that 3.1% of the population had used cocaine at some time, 1.1% had used it in the previous 12 months and 0.3% had used it in the previous month. I understand that compared with similar comprehensive population surveys undertaken in other European countries, these figures suggest that Ireland is roughly average in terms of use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that since 2000, there has been a noticeable increase in both the number of seizures and the quantity of cocaine seized. Relevant data are detailed in a table that follows and reflect not only an increase in demand and availability but also an increase in the ability of the Garda Síochána to counter the activities of criminal groups involved in the trafficking and distribution of cocaine.

Statistics in regard to the number of prosecutions taken and convictions acquired, by drug type, are not readily available and compilation of the data requested by the Deputy would require a disproportionate expenditure of time by the Garda. However, the Garda authorities have been able to readily provide data in regard to proceedings commenced for breaches of misuse of drugs legislation, in respect of cocaine, for the period 2000 to 2004, inclusive. These data are also set out in a table that follows.

The penalties for possession of controlled drugs are set out in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984. Penalties vary depending on whether the offence is a first, second or third offence. The maximum penalty that applies to possession of controlled drugs, other than cannabis, is seven years imprisonment or a fine or both.

The Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, provides a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures which will enhance the powers of the Garda in the investigation and prosecution of offences, including drug offences. It includes provisions relating to search warrant powers for the Garda. Moreover, in November last year, I obtained Government approval to draft a range of amendments to the Bill, which I intend to bring forward during its passage through the Oireachtas. Proposed amendments include the creation of new criminal offences in regard to participation in organised crime and the strengthening of existing provisions for the ten-year mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking.