Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had further discussions with Garda representatives regarding the prevalence of crack cocaine here; if the latest information available to him confirms that crack cocaine remains generally specific to one geographic area in inner city Dublin; if there are signs that the drug is spreading out from this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18125/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that my officials have on-going contact with representatives of An Garda Síochána, through the implementation structures of the National Drugs Strategy, and the prevalence of crack cocaine in the country is discussed periodically. Furthermore, I met with representatives of the Gardaí at the last meeting of the Interdepartmental Group on Drugs in April.

The Gardaí are satisfied that the use of crack cocaine is largely confined to a small geographical area in inner city Dublin. Furthermore, they have had considerable recent success in targeting the supply and use of this drug in that area. A number of people face charges of possession of crack cocaine for sale or supply in the inner city area in March and April last. The charges arose from investigations into the sale of the drug under "Operation Plaza".

I am confident that, through the implementation of the actions in the National Drugs Strategy, the projects and initiatives operated through the Local & Regional Drugs Task Forces and the operations of an Garda Síochána, the problem of crack cocaine use can be addressed. Each of the Drugs Task Forces has an action plan in place to tackle drug use in their area, based on their own identified priorities and they continue to have ongoing contact with their local communities.

However, I fully accept that a potential danger exists that the use of crack cocaine could spread rapidly and I assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor the situation and that I will ensure that any necessary steps are taken to address increased threats, should they arise.