TWO leading Government Departments have been sharply criticised by the retiring Garda Commissioner, Mr Patrick Culligan, for their record on tackling the illegal drugs problem.
"Over the last number of years, the Departments of Health and Education have opted out of their responsibilities in this area, leaving it all to the Department of Justice and the law enforcement agencies," he said.
Calling for an intensive advertising campaign to warn young people about drugs, he said. "You get sick and tired of hearing about safe sex and condoms."
Mr Culligan, who retires today as Garda Commissioner, was speaking after presiding at a passing out parade for 91 gardai at the Garda Training College in Templemore. He said the only way to tackle the drug problem was through education, beginning now. "And what you set in place now, will only yield results in eight to 10 years time."
He said that the connection between illegal drugs and crime had been overrated. "The people dealing in drugs were criminals before they got into drugs, not the other way around."
He added that the Garda was not the only agency to fight the problem. "You will never solve the drug problem through law enforcement alone. As long as there is a demand for drugs, somebody will supply them.
Mr Culligan said society had changed and there was now a diminishing respect for established institutions. Petty crime was frequently accompanied by gratuitous violence, he added.
"Criminals are no longer satisfied to take a handbag from a woman's shoulder and run away with it. Now they want to inflict punishment as well."
Asked about the highlights of his term as Commissioner, he said. "I do not think that anything stands out. I did most of what I set out to do. It is not always easy because you are not always the master of your own destiny in this job.
Mr Culligan's contribution to the Garda was described as "exemplary" by the Minister of State for Justice, Mr Austin Currie, who was representing the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen.
"He has headed the force through a very challenging period in our history, a time when the Garda has had to cope with a range of problems not least the growing viciousness of crime and the activities of those involved in drug related crime," he said.
Mr Currie said the five year Corporate Strategy Document, which was produced and implemented under the Commissioner's guidance, was a testament to his commitment.
At yesterday's ceremony, the Commissioner's Medal, for achieving the highest aggregate marks in academic subjects, was presented to Ms Norma Keane, a native of Tralee, Co Kerry, who will be stationed in Bantry. The Gary Sheehan Memorial Medal for the best all round student was presented to Mr Ronan Lafferty, a native of Templemore, who has been assigned to Crumlin in Dublin.
The Templemore Urban District Council Medal for outstanding achievement and appreciation in the area of social science studies was won by Mr Michael Corbett, from Charleville, Co Cork, who will be stationed in Ballyfermot in Dublin.
