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Crime figures highlight Government's abject failure on tackling drugs - Ó Snodaigh
Published: 30 January, 2008
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called for additional resources to be pumped into drug awareness and education initiatives, treatment services and rehabilitation opportunities. Deputy Ó Snodaigh again repeated his call for resources for Garda Drugs Squads to be at least doubled.
Speaking today he said, "The latest crime figures show us that the
number of drug offences rose by over 20% with offences of cultivation,
manufacture and importation increasing by almost 60%. The number of
homicide offences rose by a quarter, many as a result of drug crime, and
the number of recorded shootings increased by 10%. All of this
highlights the abject failure of the Government's drug tackling policies
to date.
"I welcome the number of significant seizures by Gardaí in my own area
over the last week however it is clear that Gardaí are fighting the
drugs crisis under severe pressure due to a lack of resources.
"There is an urgent need for a greater focus on gangland and drug
related crime from all Departments including through robust law
enforcement. Resources for Garda Drug Squads must be at least doubled
and resources must be pumped into education and awareness initiatives,
treatment services and rehabilitation opportunities."
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