Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that prior to May 2008 seizures of drugs were recorded under the generic description "prohibited articles" and accordingly a detailed breakdown is not available.

From May 2008 (when Operation Support Group came into operation) to 31 December 2008, there were 351 drug seizures within the Irish Prison Service. Figures for 2009 and up until the 12 September 2010 are set out in the table below. It is important to note that many of these seizures occur at point of entry to the prisons and do not enter the prison system. I have asked Irish Prison Service to consider how reporting systems can be modified to differentiate between seizures within the prison and at point of entry to the prison.

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

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; 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.

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 tandem with the emphasis on enhanced security measures, the Irish Prison Service continues to implement its Drug 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 through meeting prisoners' treatment and rehabilitative needs. For example, we have recently renewed the contract for the provision of Addiction Counsellor Services with Merchants Quay Ireland providing an average of 1500 prisoner contacts per month.