INTRODUCING the Drug Trafficking Bill, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, described it as part of a comprehensive anti drugs package.

It would increase the powers of detention of drug trafficking suspects for periods up to seven days allow regulations to be made about suspects who concealed drugs on their persons "staffers" and "swallowers". Garda superintendents would be empowered to grant warrants for drug trafficking offences, and Customs officers would be permitted to participate in questioning suspects.

Where detentions of more than 48 hours were required suspects would have to be brought before a court where they could make submissions or call evidence. The court could order a further period of detention of up to 72 hours if it was satisfied that Garda inquiries were proceeding "diligently and expeditiously".

Mrs Owen said these safeguards were necessary to satisfy the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Bill would allow her to prescribe specially equipped detention facilities where suspects with drugs concealed on their bodies could be detained.

The new powers were harsh but necessary. The safeguards should allay any fears that they would be abused, she said.

The Fianna Fail spokesman on justice, Mr John O'Donoghue, just said that as a result of pressure from the Labour leader, Mr Spring, and the Democratic Left leader, Mr De Rossa, the Bill had been diluted. He disagreed with "protectionist" policies for drug dealers. "I believe the rights of the victims ought to be to the fore."

Mr Spring should publicly explain his opposition to the policies first announced by the Minister to deal with the drug problem. "I invite him to justify his veto on the bail referendum. Speak in the daylight Tanaiste what you whisper in the shadows.

Regarding Mr De Rossa, he said he had shown little regard for the victims of crime. "As he sits in Cabinet scheming the downfall of this Government on their next budget, he represents a permanent impediment to progressive criminal justice legislation."

The debate will be resumed today.