Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Will the Taoiseach outline the Government's response to the huge seizure of drugs, on which I am sure he has a note? Even by international standards the seizure was huge. According to Revenue it was worth €100 million while some of the newspapers suggested it was worth €300 million. Given the United Nations assessment that approximately 10% of the drugs coming through this country are seized, that is an enormous accidental confiscation. That is the point; this was entirely accidental.

According to a Customs and Excise enforcement officer from the Revenue, drug smugglers regard Ireland as a soft touch. Do we know whether other similar consignments have come through in the same way, or do we have any information about them? What steps does the Government intend to take to ensure this country does not continue to be a soft touch? Having regard to the fact we do not have a coastline protection service like other states, does the Taoiseach intend to take any measures in that regard? For example, does he intend to better resource Customs and Excise or the Naval Service? Is the Taoiseach concerned some Garda sources are saying this consignment was intended for other jurisdictions? The suggestion is such an enormous quantity of drugs could be transported through this jurisdiction, without hindrance, to Britain or wherever.

Does the Taoiseach believe adequate steps are being taken by the Government in terms of reducing demand for drugs in this jurisdiction, having regard to the fact this is no longer a Dublin or even urban phenomenon, but that it is experienced in every town and village in Ireland? The extent of abuse and misuse of drugs is widespread. According to the United Nations, for example, it is considered cocaine use is increasing at a higher rate in Ireland than in any developed country. The UN stated the number of cocaine related offences has increased fourfold between 2002 and 2005. It also stated drugs worth €100 million were seized by the Garda in 2006. If it is the case that approximately 10% of drugs coming here are seized, one can imagine the amount of drugs that are manifestly getting through. It has been shown that 70% of wastewater samples taken from Dublin and surrounding areas contained traces of cocaine. There is an endemic, serious, widespread phenomenon of drug abuse and misuse in this jurisdiction. Is the Taoiseach satisfied the Government is taking adequate steps to cope with this phenomenon?

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