Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. As regards the increase in heroin use, one just has to look at the very good articles that have appeared in the Irish Examiner in recent weeks which highlighted the major increases in use occurring in every area, regardless of where it is. Even in the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's area, Wexford, there has been a rise of 270% as regards detection and the same trend is evident in Kildare and all the other areas.

On numerous occasions here I have tried to raise the question of the demand for the drug, and what we are doing to ensure that parents and young people, including teenagers, recognise the dangers and the type of damage they can do to their health by becoming involved in drug use in the first place. We seem to be reactive as a society when a person is involved with drugs. I believe, however, that the Minister, who is responsible for communities, must ensure they work with him to try to decrease the demand for drugs in every area. That is a major issue, and I ask the Minister to outline how he might like to see such an initiative being undertaken.

I honestly believe the gardaí are doing their utmost, but again their job would be a great deal easier if we can manage to decrease the demand. I saw in the newspapers recently that head shops are now selling on the Internet. They have reduced their costs and the threat is still there. Perhaps the Minister will state his views on the issue of head shops selling on the Internet in regard to community involvement in this area. Will he set out his proposals to reduce demand for heroin in particular?

See this speech in context