Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I am pleased the Minister is aware of the facilities around the country that are available to communities. However, we must lead the drive in this regard. I ask the Minister, as I did his predecessor, to meet the relevant national organisations be they involved in sport, recreation, drama and so on to ensure all are encouraged to take on the drug barons in the battle to reduce demand. If we can reduce demand, everything else will fall into place. The Midland Regional Task Force has reported an increase in heroin use. There are also chronic problems in regard to accessing treatment. We must reduce demand and ensure no further increase in drug misuse.

The Minister's predecessor, Minister of State, Deputy Curran, agreed to meet the national organisations on the next phase of the national drugs strategy in regard to alcohol. I want the Minister to give a commitment that he will meet the organisations and work with them and all of us. I am sure Deputy Feighan and Members of all parties will work together to defeat this problem. The only way we can defeat it is by working together. We must reduce demand thus helping everyone else involved, including the Garda Síochána and so on. I hope the Minister can give us that commitment today.

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