Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the quantity, type and value of drug seizures in each Irish prison for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [31380/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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For the record of the House and the information of the Deputy let me explain that prior to May 2008 seizures of drugs were recorded under the generic description "prohibited articles" and a detailed breakdown is not readily available.

From May 2008 (when new security initiatives were first introduced) to 31 December 2008, there were 351 drug seizures within the Irish Prison Service. Figures for 2009 and up until the 27 June 2010 are set out in the table below.

Prisons do not have the facilities to test for the type of substances or the quantity found. Gardaí are contacted once suspected drug seizures are made and issues of investigation and prosecution fall within their remit.

It is acknowledged that drugs present a major challenge to the Irish Prison Service and in this context, the Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy & Strategy, entitled Keeping Drugs out of Prison was launched in May 2006. The implementation of this Policy and 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 all prisons, with visitors required to be pre-approved by the Governor and required to provide identification on each visit;

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; and

Installation of nets over exercise yards to prevent access to contraband items, including mobile phones and drugs.

In addition, a number of new, enhanced 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; and

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.

I am glad to tell the Deputy that the new security screening at prison entrances and the range of measures introduced have had considerable success in preventing the flow of and assisting in the capture of contraband such as illicit drugs. I am determined to take all reasonable measures to ensure that we stem the flow of illicit substances into our prisons. In that regard 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 future as deemed necessary and appropriate.

In tandem with the emphasis on enhanced security measures the Irish Prison Service also continues to strive to implement its Drugs Policy and Strategy. Part of the implementation of the Strategy 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.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of drug seizures in Cork city and county for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to the end of June in 2010, as well the quantity, type and value of drug seizures involved. [31381/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In the time available it has not been possible to compile the statistics which the Deputy has requested. I will communicate further with him when the information sought is to hand.