O’Dowd proposes drug courts

FINE GAEL’S drugs spokesperson Fergus O’Dowd has proposed that drug courts be rolled out all over the country, following the success of a pilot project that has been operating in Dublin.

“The Drugs Court offers a structured rehabilitation programme to addicts through regular drug testing, counselling, education and training over a 12-month period with a further follow-up over 12 months,” he said.

Party justice spokesperson Jim O’Keeffe said that his party would introduce a dedicated organised crime unit within the gardaí if they were returned to power.