638. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the actions being undertaken by An Garda Síochána to tackle crystal methamphetamine. [9407/22]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: As the Deputy will be aware, tackling drug dealing and organised criminal activity is a key priority for the Government and for An Garda Síochána. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including operational decisions and the deployment of resources to address drug crime. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.

Methylamphetamine is a controlled drug as per the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to 2015. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the usage of Methylamphetamine in Ireland at this time is quite low, resulting in a low volume of seizures. In line with the National Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2017 - 2025, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, An Garda Síochána, along with its partner agency, the Revenue Commissioners Customs Service, continues to target Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) involved in the illegal import, export, and sale and supply of controlled drugs, including Methylamphetamine, in this jurisdiction.

Under Action 3.2.36 of the National Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2017 - 2025, An Garda Síochána and Revenue Commissioners Customs Service are the lead agencies on an action relevant to monitoring drug markets, new drug markets, and both the surface and dark web. I am advised that An Garda Síochána are represented on the Early Warning and Emerging Trends Sub Committee, which advises government on new psychoactive substances, emerging trends and practices and the consequences of such drug use. This group is led by the Department of Health in association with the European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drugs Addiction (EMCDDA).

I am assured by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána will continue to monitor drug trends in line with the EU Early Warning System and will consider the implications of any new or existing trend in the Irish drug market, including Methylamphetamine.