asked the Minister for Justice the value in Irish pounds of the drugs seized in Ireland since 1 January 1980 to date; and an approximate breakdown of the type of drugs seized.

The Garda authorities state that the estimated value in the illicit street trade of drugs seized in the State between 1 January 1980 and 21 November 1980 was of the order of £1,900,000. I should explain, however, that this estimated value includes a figure of £1,300,000 in respect of a single seizure of drugs made in Dublin docks in May last and a figure of £110,000 in respect of two other seizures at Dublin Airport in July, 1980 and at Rosslare in November, 1980.

A breakdown of the type of drugs seized is set in a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Would the Minister agree that this is the largest quantity of drugs that has been seized in the history of the State? Is the Minister aware of reports that indicate that heroin is now the cheapest drug on the Irish drugs scene? What extra facilities does the Minister intend to give to Detective Sergeant Mullins and his force to counteract this detrimental drug pushing effort?

I am aware that the most common drug seized was cannabis, of which seizures amounting to an estimated value of £1,600,000 were made. Cannabis resin accounted for an estimated £100,000 worth of seizures and cannabis plants for £80,000 worth. I understand that in July £40,000 worth of cannabis was seized coming into Dublin airport, and two Irish nationals have been charged and are awaiting trial. On 11 November at Rosslare cannabis resin to the approximate value of £70,000 was seized and one Irish national is being charged as of now.

I should like to repeat what I said when replying to the Estimate for the Department of Justice, that I am truly concerned about the drugs situation in this country and will do everything I can to make sure it is arrested. I have asked the Commissioner to give it top priority and to inquire specifically into statements in newspapers by a person or persons unknown who say that the drug squad is not at the strength it should be. It is the Commissioner's responsibility to see that whatever strength can or should be given to the drug squad is given.

If the Commissioner produces proposals for extra facilities will the Minister give them to him?

Of course I will. I have said that publicly.