TIME TO SET UP DRUG COURTS

DRUG courts should be set up without further delay, in order to fulfil one
of the coalition’s major commitments in the Programme for Government,
Fianna Fail backbencher Noel Ahern said yesterday. The Dublin North West
deputy also hit out at the delay in publishing the Report of the Drug Court
Planning Committee.

"It’s been almost three months since we were assured the report was
imminent," Mr Ahern said. "The delay is a major disappointment since it’s
publication is necessary to facilitate the introduction of the Drug Court
Pilot Scheme."

Drug courts are treatment orientated courts where the judge is a central
figure in a court centred treatment programme. The aim of such systems is
to recommend treatment for addicts, rather than imprisonment, since studies
have shown many emerge from lengthy sentences with an increased level of
dependence.

"The establishment of a pilot Drug Court Programme in the District Court
this year was approved in September 1998," deputy Ahern said, "but as we
approach September 1999, an announcement on the issue has not been
forthcoming."