Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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486. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on serious criminal allegations made in a newspaper report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54373/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Issues relating to the regulation of rickshaws under road traffic legislation are for my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, T.D. to consider.

With regard to the newspaper report, the issues mentioned in relation to the involvement of rickshaw drivers in the supply of illegal drugs is a matter of considerable concern to me. This is particularly so having regard to the potential risks to the safety and security of people who travel in rickshaws as passengers, but also members of the public generally.

It seems clear from the article however, that the illegal activity involved is being closely monitored by An Garda Síochána and that successful policing operations in the areas concerned are ongoing.  While this is evidenced by the reported numbers of arrests and convictions in 2017, I have nonetheless requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the latest position on the situation reported in the newspaper article and any further actions considered necessary to address it.  In this regard, I would point out that the assignment of Garda personnel and overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are a matter for the Garda authorities to determine, having regard to factors such as crime trends and the policing needs of each Garda Division.  I should also mention that local Gardaí are supported and supplemented when necessary by Regional and National Units such as the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, as well as the Criminal Assets Bureau.  I will revert to the Deputy when the Garda report is to hand.

I am in agreement with the reported comments of the Gardaí involved in tackling this issue where they refer to the risks involved.  Drug dealing, wherever it occurs and whatever form it takes, brings risks to everybody, be they buyers, sellers or members of An Garda Síochána.  It cannot be tolerated and must be tackled relentlessly. In this context, I would point to the new national drugs and alcohol strategy, "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery" and the important role for communities signalled in action 4.1.41 which is concerned with enhancing the relationship between An Garda Síochána and local communities in relation to the impact of the drugs trade.  It is essential that there be proactive engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities and businesses and that positive relationships are developed if this form of criminality is to be effectively tackled.