Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the work of An Garda Síochána in tackling the importation of illegal drugs into Ireland; the measures that have been put in place in this respect at airports, ports, in particular small ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13132/07]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 224: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of ports and harbours on the coast of Ireland not constantly monitored by An Garda Síochána with a view to preventing the illegal importation of drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.

The Government remains resolutely committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse through our National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.

Under the Strategy, it is the Customs Service of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., which has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. The service has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State, specifically, at ports, airports (including licensed airfields) and on the land frontier.

In relation to my Department's remit and the role of An Garda Síochána in the area of drug supply reduction and drug law enforcement, I can advise the Deputy of the following.

Given its nature, tackling drug trafficking demands local, national and international responses and is primarily intelligence led.

An Garda Síochána invokes a number broad strategic responses in addressing the issue. These include the following; identifying, targeting and dismantling national and international drug trafficking networks which supply and distribute illegal drugs within this state; conducting intelligence driven operations focusing on all aspects of the illicit drugs trade including commodity, logistics, distribution and financing; working with other national and international law enforcement agencies on joint actions designed to reduce the availability of drugs and the proceeds derived from the drugs trade; working in partnership with statutory, community and voluntary groups to reduce both the supply and demand for drugs within society.

An Garda Síochána liaises on an ongoing basis with other national and international enforcement services such as the Customs authorities (with whom there is a formal Memorandum of Understanding and Protocols in place to facilitate joint working), the Naval Service, the Air Corps, and foreign customs and police services.

The benefits brought about by all of these ongoing law enforcement efforts are demonstrated by the continuing high level of drug seizures being made by both An Garda Síochána and the Customs authorities and their continued success in bringing serious drug traffickers to book and putting them out of business.

The issue of drug trafficking is one which the Government, in conjunction with our law enforcement agencies, will continue to tackle as a priority under one of the main pillar headings of our overall National Drugs Strategy.