Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

Yes, but I am trying to provide some background. Essentially, one of the recommendations was to examine more closely the damage that cannabis does, particularly to pregnant mothers and their unborn children. Why do people take up the habit and what are the inherent dangers of using specific drugs? Such dangers may not yet be fully recognised, so we need to investigate that situation further. Why are a growing number of middle-class people using cocaine for leisure, while seemingly being in denial that the proceeds of this trade are going to some of the most ruthless criminals we have ever had in this country. We need to focus more research outside the capital. Will the new drugs plan place greater emphasis on research?

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