Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State's response referred to meetings, resources and everything that is being attempted in Ireland to prevent drugs use and in particular to prevent young people from taking drugs from the perspective of going into schools to educate them. Recently however, Judge Tony Hunt called for security at private airports to be increased. It is outrageous that the Judiciary is worried about drugs coming into this country via private airports. As for the level of checking at such airports, only 18 checks were performed at Weston Aerodrome this year. What are the Minister of State, his committee, the Government and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform doing about private airports?

It is similar to the two-tier approach taken to the issue of drugs itself. While one will not see Garda activity at parties frequented by the upper class, it will be seen in working-class areas in which it is known drugs will be present. A two-tier system is in operation in Ireland in respect of law and order and drugs. Moreover, a two-tier system exists regarding the importation of drugs. The Minister of State should meet the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform immediately and should then report back to this House to inform Members of the measures being taken by the Government and the Garda to stop drugs from being imported via private airports. Second, the Minister of State should raise the issue of unregistered mobile telephones with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Although such mobile telephones can be used by gangsters and criminals to tip one another off, there is no security or monitoring of them. I seek information on what is happening in this regard.

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