Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. In the context of research, it is more pertinent nowadays to examine some issues with a view to developing solid data on them. For instance, why are people taking up this habit in ever growing numbers? According to recent statistics, drug seizures in Ireland last year amount to €40 million. If one takes the lower international seizure rate norm of 5%, it means that €800 million worth of illegal drugs were coming in here. If one takes the higher seizure rate of 10%, the total would be €400 million, which is still a great deal of money. The Minister of State will recall that issues arose in committee reports where, for instance——

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