Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

In the context of the considerable savings being sought at present, is there not a case for a much more integrated approach in regard to the effort of the Defence Forces, Customs and Excise and Garda Síochána to combat the drugs problem? Many in the fishing industry in Ireland contend there is not sufficient or effective surveillance of vessels fishing illegally in our territorial waters. I hear this quite frequently.

I know the Minister has a specific role, which he has outlined. Is it not about time the relevant Ministers got together to formulate a plan that makes maximum use of resources and improves co-ordination in coming to terms and effectively dealing with the importation of drugs into this country? All the available anecdotal evidence indicates that far more drugs are coming into this country than are being detected. In many ways it appears Ireland is being used as a landing place for drugs to be moved on to places elsewhere in the European Union. What evidence does the Minister have that this is the case, anecdotally or otherwise? I remain to be convinced that we are using and co-ordinating our resources to best effect to combat what is the major scourge and social problem in our country.

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