Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I do not disagree with the Taoiseach on the demand for drugs. We may need a discussion on our society's deeper issues to determine why there is such an abuse of substances, but the most immediate matter that can be dealt with is supply. It is cheaper to buy a line of cocaine than it is to buy a pint in this city. Despite the drug seizures and convictions, there is an enormous supply of cocaine and other illegal drugs in this country.

At the heart of this issue is the trade benefiting from drugs. We have seen the gang wars, killings and shootings associated with the drugs trade. The Taoiseach is satisfied that the Garda has the powers he has described, but why is the trade continuing? Why is the supply of cocaine on the increase? Why are the powers so ineffective? Some answer is needed.

In getting convictions, there is a problem in producing witnesses and in witnesses coming forward. There is also a problem in assembling evidence, for which reason we have proposed the Garda surveillance Bill. Its measures are necessary to deal with this issue. If the Taoiseach says otherwise, he or, through him, the Garda owes an explanation as to why the drug trade is continuing at this level because it is on the increase.

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