Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

I applaud Deputy Catherine Murphy who promoted this topic for the Independent Deputies' Private Members' business this week. She focused on the appalling vista of the prospect of Weston Aerodrome being used for the importation of drugs into this country. The recent seizure of 50 kg of heroin in Belgium, apparently destined for Weston Aerodrome, illustrates the criminal neglect of security at private airfields in this country by successive Governments. Some 27 licensed aerodromes in the State have a hit and miss customs presence.

In 2005, only 16 customs inspections took place at Weston Aerodrome, an average of one every three and a quarter weeks. One can see the potential to use the aerodrome for the illegal importation of drugs or other items into this country. It is inexcusable for the Government or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to allow this situation to continue, where criminals have the opportunity to bring in killer drugs to this country.

The Government claims to be fighting a serious battle, an empty claim given that a main route of supply — such as that at Weston Aerodrome — is left unguarded and open for use by all and sundry. It is folly for a Government fighting a war against drugs to ignore the route of supply. The supply line should be the first area examined. If there is no supply, there is no problem and if supply is minimised, the problem is reduced. Access points to this country must be fully secured and a customs arrangement must be made at access points such as Weston Aerodrome.

Ireland has many grand plans, strategies and policies in place to deal with drug abuse. These make the right statements and press the right buttons, but do what do they do? For example, the first strategic aim of the national drugs strategy is to reduce the availability of illicit drugs. The Government shows its commitment to reducing availability of illicit drugs by leaving 27 private airfields without security or customs. Drug traffickers can waltz into this country with suitcases packed with drugs. The scale and boldness of the operation foiled in Belgium indicates that this was not a maiden run.

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