THE Government has accepted the principles of a Fianna Fail, Bill to tackle the drugs problem.

The Minister for Justice, Ms Owen, told the House that she would not be opposing the Bill at second stage. However, she believed that the Drug Trafficking, Bill which the Government would publish over the next few weeks was the best way forward.

The Misuse of Drugs Bill was introduced in private members' time by the Fianna Fail justice spokesman, Mr John O'Donoghue. He described it as urgent and necessary.

Drug related crime had been correctly identified as responsible for up to 80 per cent of all indictable offences. In the first six months of 1995 the Garda had made nearly 3,000 drug seizures, an increase of 9 per cent on 1994.

Under legislation proposed last year by the Minister, gardai would have power, under the supervision of the courts, to detain suspected drug traffickers for up to seven days, Mr O'Donoghue said.

Garda chief superintendents could issue search warrants in urgent drug related cases, and customs officers could question persons whom they arrested on suspicion of trafficking.

However, the legislation never appeared, and the initiative, which was announced "in a media blitz" resulted in six months of silence, he added.

His party's Bill would give legislative effect to the changes announced by the Minister last July. It also proposed the abolition of the cumbersome system of preliminary examination of indictable offences in the District Court, and proposed a fast track system for drug trafficking offences, guaranteeing a trial with 90 days of arrest.

The present system of long delays in having cases brought to court must end. He urged the Minister to proceed quickly with the appointment of new judges and make provision for new courts and officials to facilitate the conduct of trials.

The Minister for Justice said that before bringing forward it" proposals the Government must be satisfied that they were comprehensive, effective and likely to withstand challenge in the courts. In an area involving human rights that process could take time.

There was little disagreement in the House on the desirability off legislation which she had suggested last year as part of an anti drugs package. She had to ensure, however, that the legislation was, properly drafted, would be effective and would meet the requirements of the Constitution.

Regarding the proposal in the Fianna Fail Bill to introduce seven day detention Ms Owen said the advice she had received was that this would not be constitutional.

On the proposal in the Bill to prohibit temporary releases except for serious humanitarian reasons, she said the real need was for extra accommodation and the Government had yesterday approved a major programme to increase the amount of accommodation available in the prison system.

Debate on the Bill will continue this evening.