Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I want to conclude the Government's contribution to what was a welcome debate last evening and this evening in the House. Reference was made by Deputy Cuffe to the amount of money being spent by the Government in tackling this problem. It is interesting to note that in 2005, the estimate we have of expenditure directly related to dealing with drug abuse was €194 million. That expenditure spans the national drugs strategy unit, the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, FÁS, the Department of Education and Science, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Irish Prison Service, the Garda Síochana and Customs and Excise. They are indicative figures but they relate to services that are directly attributable to dealing with the drugs issue. That estimated figure of €194 million does not take account of the mainstream services provided to help tackle the issue and neither does it disentangle the funding that is available for the wider community in the context of communities afflicted by the drugs menace. That is a substantial investment and it is directly targeted. That is apart from the various Government social programmes in broad terms in health, education, housing and justice.

It is important that we note this at the outset because it is clear from this debate that the problem of drug misuse is one which is of serious concern to every Member of this House. It leaves very destructive consequences in its wake and serious harm is inflicted on many individuals who experience drug addiction. There is also the pain and despair felt by members of a person's family and his or her friends when they see a life being ruined in such a way. In a wider sense, communities can be devastated by multiple addiction where addiction is at its most prevalent. The drugs problem in Ireland is no longer confined in that sense because it is clear from the development in regard to cocaine that it is a habit indulged in in every sector of the community and in every social class.

The threat posed to our society by the ruthless criminal elements who trade in drugs and the levels of violence they perpetrate to protect their trade is a disturbing element of the problem. It is fair to say that if we examine criminal statistics today in a broad way and contrast them with the criminal statistics of, say, two or three decades ago, we can see the extent to which criminal activity in the State is built around and derives from the drugs problem.

The problem concerns us all and, despite the political differences in this House, it must be addressed. We share a common stake in doing so and the Government is grateful to the Deputies who proposed the motion. A number of speakers have stressed the Government's commitment to tackling illegal drugs under the National Drug Strategy, 2001-08. There is a strong conviction that the only way to make progress is by working in an integrated partnership involving all players from statutory agencies, voluntary treatment providers and those representing the community who are familiar with the problems involved.

The Government believes this problem can be addressed under the headings of drug prevention and education, drug supply reduction and treatment, rehabilitation and research. This debate has demonstrated some of the progress made over the first five years of the strategy. Important improvements have been made, providing treatment services and attracting more drug users into treatment provision. The recent publications of the results of the ROSIE study, referred to by the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Noel Ahern, highlights the positive benefits of such treatment.

We have heard of the high levels of drug seizures by law enforcement agencies and significant successes in dismantling trafficking networks. This is a challenge, given the scale of drug trafficking worldwide. Progress has been made in the drugs education and preventative area through community and school efforts. Other initiatives, such as the young people's facilities programme, seek to prevent people from starting on the drug misuse pathway. Personnel numbers in the Garda Síochána have increased, enhancing the enforcement response, especially in areas of drug misuse.

Members have heard of the valuable contribution made by those who work with local and regional drug task forces on a considerable number of community-led projects that are integral to our approach. I salute the work of task forces and local projects in communities all over Ireland. The Government has allocated resources across a range of Departments and agencies. A significant increase was made in the drugs initiatives head at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Government is aware that difficulties remain. Progress is not always made at the speed Members would like but significant progress has been made across pillar headings due to the dedicated efforts of many people. The Government is resolutely committed to the national drugs strategy and I ask the House to support the Government amendment.

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