Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

Clearly the Government is sleepwalking its way through a drugs epidemic. Cocaine is the example that is currently mentioned. Its use has become increasingly widespread. A reply to a parliamentary question by Deputy Stagg indicated that the figures have increased each year. In 2001, 5.3 kg was seized by the Garda with a value of €371,000; in 2002, 31 kg was seized with a value of €2.2 million; in 2003, 107 kg was seized with a value of €7.5 million; in 2004, 167 kg was seized with a value of €11 million; and in 2005, 242 kg was seized with a value of €16 million. The Government seems to be helpless in addressing the problem of this very addictive drug which now apparently affects 3% of the population.

Another drug, methamphetamine, is regarded as potentially even more dangerous than heroin. However, no extra resources have been committed to the Garda Síochána to deal with that problem. As Deputy English mentioned heroin addicts who wish to enter a rehabilitation programme must wait up to 19 months before being admitted to a methadone clinic. The Government promised the resources to deal with the problem. Above all we are experiencing the consequences of the Government not providing the Garda with the additional resources that were clearly promised before the last general election and in the programme for Government. We do not have the additional gardaí and the strength of the force is still less than 12,000. It does not have the equipment it was promised and the Government is solely responsible for the consequences of not providing those resources.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, has talked big about drugs in prisons and acted very small. Under the regime of that Minister, prisons have become breeding grounds for new drug users. One of the most alarming aspects is the prevalence of drugs in prisons. The Minister has made great claims that he had addressed the issue and yet the problem of drug supply has increased each year since he became Minister. Instead of eliminating drugs from prisons, they have become crime universities. Studies have shown that between 19% and 21% of users of intravenous drugs began injecting heroin in prison. The programme for Government — the foolish document that was launched some years ago — promised a plan to completely end all heroin use in prisons by the end of 2002 in tandem with compulsory drug testing. Needless to say neither goal has been realised, which is to be expected from the Government in light of its performance, or lack of it, in so many areas at this stage.

Talk about minimum mandatory sentences will not solve the problem. We have ended up with courts imposing sentences that are neither minimum nor mandatory. Talking about minimum sentences will not frighten the crooks. They know perfectly well that these sentences the Minister and his colleagues talk about are neither minimum nor mandatory. Ultimately these people go to jail. The day they enter jail, they receive 25% remission when they sign in. Has the Minister ever considered not giving them remission until they earn it through good behaviour, participation in rehabilitation programmes and ensuring they do not become involved in drug use? Such fresh thinking is needed but it will not be provided by the Government.

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