John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

In reply to Deputy Byrne I wish to be clear that this EMCDDA report ranked Ireland fourth in terms of cocaine use. However, the report is specific in stating that cocaine use is primarily seen in western Europe, in Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom. I am not trying to diminish the significance of the problem but other countries which do not have a cocaine problem tend to have a problem with other drugs, particularly amphetamines.

I certainly agree with the Deputy on one point. Earlier in the year I attended a UN convention on narcotics. I listened to presentations from a significant number of countries, from the wealthiest to the poorest countries in the world. Every one of those countries had a drugs problem. If as a society we wish to make a significant impact on the drugs problem the only way to do so is in the area of prevention, awareness and education. We can make all the seizures and treat all those who are addicted but if we want to effect a radical change this will happen only through education, prevention and awareness.

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