161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the measures being introduced to tackle the illegal drug trade across Ireland. [23293/23] 

Simon Harris, Minister for Justice: I want to assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the devastating impact that illegal drugs and drug dealing have on communities across the country and I have discussed these concerns with the Garda Commissioner and his senior team on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister. 

Tackling drug dealing and associated criminal activity, including by organised crime groups and by members of the public who, through their drug taking fuel this illegal and very harmful trade, is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and the Government. 

The Government is committed to taking a number of direct actions to tackle this, including: 

• Increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life in prison to tackle those who direct gangland and drug-related crime; and 

• Introducing new legislation which will criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime, which was initiated in the Dáil in January of this year. 

An Garda Síochána continues to target those involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs through Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing across the country. Operation Tara also focuses on disrupting and dismantling the drug trafficking networks that impact on our communities and prosecuting those involved at every level. 

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) has had significant, sustained success in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups with over €302 million worth of drugs seized in the period of 2016 to Q1 2023.