Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

He was a bloody disgrace. Certain candidates may run for election on such an issue and try to lead those affected over the cliff, but one would expect a doctor, who ought to have an understanding of such matters, to adopt a different approach. The sort of carry-on whereby candidates thinking of possible votes try to scare middle-aged and middle-class people into being concerned about the possible dangers associated with drug treatment programmes is unacceptable.

We offer drug treatment on three scales, the first of which involves big clinics. The second involves using the local health clinic for an hour or two in the evening and the third involves doctors prescribing treatment to be dispensed by the local chemist. There are many chemists dispensing it and nobody needs to know. People go to chemist shops for all sorts of treatment and I would hate to see the day on which individuals stand outside them and ask those entering why they are going in. In this regard, the Fine Gael candidate's performance was disgraceful. It was pathetic given the knowledge he possesses as a doctor, and I hope sincerely that Deputy English has spoken to him and tried to sort him out.

See this speech in context