Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions which the introduction of illegal drugs has been detected in each prison, detention or correction centre throughout the country in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; the action taken to combat the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13365/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Prior to May 2008 seizure of drugs was recorded under the generic description "prohibited articles" and a detailed breakdown in the manner requested by the Deputy is not available. From May (when new security initiatives were first introduced) to 31 December 2008, there were 351 drug seizures within the Irish prison system and up to and including 13 September 2009, the date for which the most recent figures are available, there have been 696 drug seizures within the Irish prison system in that year. Final statistics for 2009 are currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy along with any available for this year to date as soon as possible.

The Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy & Strategy, entitled Keeping Drugs out of Prison was launched in May 2006 to deal with the challenge posed by drugs getting into prisons. The implementation of this Policy & Strategy has seen an intensification of efforts in the prison system to eliminate the availability of illicit drugs within prisons. The measures taken reflect the many and varied ways in which attempts are made to bring drugs into prisons and include:

Tighter control and monitoring of prisoner visits in all closed prisons.

New visiting arrangements in most closed prisons, with visitors required to be pre-approved by the Governor and required to provide identification on each visit.

Greater use of screened visits.

Greater vigilance in examining mail by prison censors and searching of other items entering the prison.

Increased random searching of cells and their occupants.

Stricter searching of all persons committed to custody and prisoners returning from court, temporary release, after visits or on receipt of intelligence.

Use of modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, under floor boards and other cavities.

Installation of nets over exercise yards to prevent access to contraband items, including mobile phones and drugs. Use of phone detectors and phased installation of telephone blocking technology.

In addition, a number of new security initiatives have been introduced in all closed prisons including:

The introduction of enhanced security screening for all persons (visitors and staff) entering our prisons.

The establishment of a drug detection dog service within the Irish Prison Service involving approximately 30 handling teams.

The establishment of Operational Support Units dedicated to and developing expertise in searching and gathering intelligence on illicit material being hidden inside our prisons; they will be available in addition to the normal prison staff and can target specific security problem areas.

The Body Orifice Security Scanner (BOSS) chair was introduced by the Irish Prison Service in early 2008 and to date eight chairs have been installed.

The new security screening at prison entrances and the measures introduced have had considerable success in preventing the flow of and assisting in the capture of contraband such as illicit drugs. The battle will be an ongoing one in which I an determined to take whatever practical measures are possible to thwart illegal activity. There will be no easing off in relation to the security measures already in place and enhancements and improvements will continue to take place in the future.

There is regular contact between the Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to discuss security issues and the Gardaí will be continue to be contacted whenever any suspected criminal offence has taken place. The Irish Prison Service continues to work to implement its Drugs Policy and Strategy, which also includes continued significant investment in services within prisons to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population as well as meeting prisoners' treatment and rehabilitative needs.