Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy raised two points. On the first, it is always very difficult to determine how much of the drugs are confiscated by law enforcement agencies and how much of the drugs come into any jurisdiction. I do not have a precise figure. In so far as there is a figure, the UN report states that 40% of the output of cocaine is intercepted. That is the only meaningful figure, 40%, but the fact is that it is still a problem.

The Deputy raised the second issue with me previously. The Minister of State, Deputy Carey, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, and their respective colleagues are looking at that issue. It is operated effectively by the No Name Club on alcohol set up by Eddie Keher, many years ago and works well. That code exists as well as its booklet and system. Despite the perception that all young people drink that is a very successful organisation. The Deputy asked if I would lend my support, that system could be replicated into other schools. I would of course support anything that helps the vast majority of young people. The reason I defended this issue and the young people is that I have been told that in inner city second level schools principals and teachers say that in their view about 96% of people would not be near drugs. I am not saying it is not a problem, that is not the issue, but there is a perception that they are all on drugs. I agree with the Deputy that it is not difficult to get them.

See this speech in context