Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

That seems to be counteracted by the effort the Government has invested in producing an amendment that appears to be twice as long as the original motion. Given recent agreements between the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, perhaps the Government has adopted a sardonic bent. In that context, perhaps there is a need to engage with everything it says from a surrealistic perspective. In its amendment to the motion, the Government claims that Weston Aerodrome is run to the highest possible international standards. People were appalled by what was discovered in Brussels but I will say little about the individuals associated with the events in question and about those with whom such people might be associated. The fact, however, that such a huge quantity of drugs was discovered upon a private plane, the egress from and regress to this country of which came about via a route that is obviously unpoliced, means that the Government must take responsibility.

I am contributing to this debate not only as a Deputy representing a constituency which, as much as any other, is subjected to these difficulties but also as my party's spokesperson on matters relating to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. It is curious that this Cinderella Department, which is under-resourced, has responsibility for one of the biggest issues facing society. If the Government is serious with regard to tackling the problem of illegal drugs, it should begin to reconsider the type of prioritisation it is giving in the areas of resources and policy. Under this Government, the latter are sadly lacking.

The Taoiseach needs to become involved. I am aware of the existence of Cabinet sub-committees but I would like those responsible for the areas to which I refer, namely, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Ministers for Transport and Finance, becoming involved at that almost secretive level and issuing public statements as to why they are failing to deal with the problem. I would particularly like the Tánaiste to do so. I know it is anathema to him to consider the possibility of failure in connection with any aspect of his brief. If, however, we are to start to tackle this problem, there must be an acceptance of responsibility and a willingness on the part of the relevant Departments to at least accept that the action that has been taken has failed, that matters are growing worse and that a radically different approach must be adopted.

I commend the motion to the House and I reject the Government's amendment.

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