Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the parts of the country that have dedicated drug Courts; his plans to provide more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34614/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Earlier this year, the Pilot Drug Treatment Court, currently operating in the North inner city, was placed on a permanent footing. It will be extended on a phased basis to the wider Dublin area in consultation with the other agencies involved in supporting the Court. The President of the District Court has assigned a Judge of the Dublin Metropolitan District Court to the Drug Treatment Court on a permanent basis. The effect of this is to bring the Drug Treatment Court in closer contact with the other courts in the Dublin Metropolitan District from which the clients of the Drug Treatment Court are referred.

I am satisfied that the Court is providing a very worthwhile and innovative service and I will continue to provide it with every support. In this regard, the matter of extending the Drug Treatment Court to areas outside Dublin will be considered.