Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

I welcome the presentation of this motion by the Independent Members. The Government's national drug strategy is implemented and overseen by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Responsibility in this regard, which in the previous Dáil lay with the Department of the Taoiseach, was bestowed on the Department upon its establishment. That was a curious decision because those who were involved in dealing with the ravages of drugs in our nation's communities would have thought, when the national drugs strategy was first put in place, that the involvement of the Department of the Taoiseach at least indicated that the then Government was prepared to adopt a joined-up approach to this scourge on society.

This well-crafted motion highlights the need for joined-up government and refers not only to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform but also to the Minister for Finance. It further refers to the lack of oversight and control at our country's aerodromes. Even the Department of Transport has a role in investigating how illicit substances are imported into the country and being allowed to wreak havoc on our communities. Despite his estimable qualities, it is curious that the Government is represented in this debate by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I would have thought that his is one of the few Departments whose input would not be required in this need for joined-up Government thinking. Perhaps his presence indicates a frivolousness on the Government's part towards the seriousness of this motion and the way it needs to be treated.

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