Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the two large seizures of cocaine in Kildare within the past week, one in Rathangan with a street value of €50,000 and the second in Celbridge with a street value of €2 million. While these seizures are welcome they are the tip of the iceberg in terms of cocaine availability. The Minister of State with responsibility for community affairs, Deputy Noel Ahern, outlined the need for a different approach to cocaine treatment within the past week. Curbing supply must be part of the response. Kildare has the lowest ratio of gardaí to population nationally and this must be rectified immediately. The noticeable lack of a Garda presence is making Kildare a soft target.

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