Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

What I said in February was in the context of my statement that all young people should not be portrayed as being involved in drugs. To brand all young people with being involved with drugs would be disrespectful to the huge number of young, responsible people, both teenagers and those of a slightly younger age who are not involved with drugs. Last week, I outlined my view in a very good debate on the drugs issue in which Deputies from all sides put forward their views on what is happening in communities. For 20 years there has been a drug problem in my constituency and in most cities and it has extended outwards. However, its portrayal as a problem affecting all young people is what I was talking about in February.

We are aware from all the reports in the past two or three years that there has been an increase in the use of cocaine. That is reflected in the availability and use of cocaine all over Europe. It is highly dangerous to glamorise cocaine as a recreational drug, which is a trend that has crept into Irish life. As I said in February and have repeated since, I strongly caution everyone, particularly young adult males, against using cocaine or any other illegal drugs. There are extremely high risks associated with cocaine use and serious physical and mental health problems arise from its use. It is particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol and other substances. There has been a number of tragic cases throughout this year, not only in recent weeks. These messages on the real dangers associated with cocaine use need to be highlighted throughout the community.

It is important that people see the direct link between their misuse of illegal drugs and the criminal activities which facilitate it. Deputy Kenny is right in terms of the huge amounts of drugs available. I do not deny this because it shows up in the figures for drug seizures, which this year include 113 kg of heroin with an estimated value of €22 million, 1.6 tonnes of cocaine valued at approximately €117 million, 1.3 tonnes of cannabis resin, 1.7 tonnes of cannabis herb, the best part of 280,000 ecstasy tablets and about 34 kg of other drugs.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda are invoking a number of broad strategic responses to address the issue. As well as the review of the national drugs strategy, which was discussed in the House last week and is the responsibility of the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey, the Garda is identifying, targeting and dismantling national and international drug trafficking networks which are supplying and distributing illegal drugs in the State. It is conducting intelligence driven operations, focusing on the illicit drug trade, logistics, distribution and financing. It is working with other national and international law enforcement agencies on joint actions designed to reduce the availability of drugs and the proceeds derived from the drug trade and working in partnership with statutory, community and voluntary groups to reduce it. A number of other measures are also being taken.

Drugs in society is a big challenge and we must do all we can to address it. The Minister of State, Deputy Carey, promised to take on board, as part of the review of the national drugs strategy, many of the good suggestions put to him during the question and answer session at the end of the debate on drugs.

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