Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 913: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to ensure that when significant drug seizures are made in transit through Dublin Port, the Gardaí are enabled to follow up the destination of the drugs and apprehend those involved before such seizures are made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20124/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the National Drugs Strategy it is the Customs Service which has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at the point of importation.

I am advised that a framework for co-operation between the Customs and Excise Service of the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda Síochána with respect to drugs law enforcement is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding. This document was agreed and endorsed by Ministerial approval by the respective parent Departments of both agencies in January 1996.

The Memorandum also provided for the creation of Operational Guidelines implementing the Government decision for the Customs and Excise Service and the Garda Síochána, and in consultation with the Naval Service, to operate a Joint Task Force to deal with intelligence driven drug smuggling operations and "controlled deliveries." In October 2000, the signing and implementation of an Operational Protocol for co-operation between the three agencies further developed this framework.

Under this framework the Customs and Excise Service and the Garda Síochána support and co-operate fully with each other in connection with the interdiction of illegal drugs intended to be smuggled into the State.

I am also advised that where Customs and Excise seize any smuggled or illegally imported controlled drugs, including those detected by Officers at Dublin Port, they promptly inform and engage with An Garda Síochána before any further action is taken or any announcement about the seizure is made.