Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
671. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of simple possession searches for drugs undertaken in Clare for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; the number of drugs sale and supply searches undertaken in Clare for 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34424/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities, is a priority for the Government and my Department.
In addition to the legislative and other measures introduced by my Department, unprecedented funding has been provided to An Garda Síochána which has enabled the Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime.
This additional investment ensures that An Garda Síochána can continue to target those involved in street-level drug dealing across the country. It also focuses on disrupting and dismantling the drug trafficking networks that impact our communities, and prosecuting those involved at every level, through Operation Tara.
The Garda authorities have provided the following total searches under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/1984 for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 in the Clare/Tipperary Division.
|
Search Incident Type |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Search Under Drugs Acts 1977/1984 |
2726 |
2236 |
1546 |
They have also provided the following information which gives a breakdown of the offences detected for the same years, as requested.
|
Detection Incident Type |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Possession of Drugs for Sale and Supply |
165 |
150 |
159 |
|
Simple Possession |
563 |
546 |
551 |
It should be noted that drug possession detections will likely, but not necessarily, originate from a drug search incident.
