Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

This is a major problem in Ireland and is getting worse. I fail to understand the lack of urgency and commitment to tackling the drugs problem in Ireland. Colleagues have referred to the 27 private airfields with no customs presence, indicative of the attitude we take to the drugs problem. That situation was brought to the attention of the authorities when Deputy Catherine Murphy placed the matter on the agenda in this House last year and again this year. Some €10 million worth of drugs was intercepted on its way to the airfield. The total amount confiscated is no more than 10% of what is trafficked into the country.

The Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, stated that we should get real in a press statement during the week. That slogan should apply to this problem. I was always taught, and believe, that prevention is better than cure. Public representatives, RAPID organisations and local authorities in south Tipperary have been seeking services and manpower to address this problem before it gets out of hand. During this debate, we have heard about areas where the drug problem is out of control. Thankfully, this is not yet the case in Clonmel and south Tipperary. We seek services and manpower to address this problem, but unfortunately we have had no response.

Yesterday, the Minister stated that the young persons facilities fund would not be extended to the town of Clonmel because the problem was not serious enough. Four drug-related murders have been committed in the area in the past three years. The emphasis should be on prevention in areas where the problem is at a low level. Every part of the country has a drug problem to some degree but we must provide facilities, youth services, community gardaí and regionalised CAB facilities to deal with minor drug dealers. These middle-ranking drug dealers are setting an example to other young people and dragging young people, particularly those from disadvantaged areas, into the drugs trade.

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