Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When the drugs issue was mentioned in the past, it was generally synonymous with heroin and Dublin's inner city, but that has changed drastically. Every city and town in the country, as well as many villages, has been invaded by drugs. Those communities, individuals and families have seen the devastating consequences of drugs. I acknowledge the progress which has been made since those days when the late Tony Gregory was a lone voice on the drugs issue. We saw the establishment of local drugs task forces and national bodies, as well as the national drugs strategy, and there was funding for projects and special community employment schemes. The Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, was also set up.

Very valid points were certainly made, such as that money going to the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, from drug-related crime should have been directed towards those communities most affected by drugs. There are outstanding issues, and the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 recognises the importance of an inter-agency approach and that people from various Departments and agencies would attend meetings. Due to cuts, those agencies and Departments are unable to meet those commitments, which is a serious issue. The regional drugs task forces were given large areas to cover but without the necessary resources. We have been waiting over two years for appropriate legislation on zimmos and other pills because gardaí are helpless to do anything about them. There are serious problems with dual diagnosis. People who present with addiction, mental health issues and homelessness go from one agency to another before their problems are addressed.

Part of the problem has been that this issue was the remit of a Minister of State who also has to deal with several other concerns. The issue has moved home. It started in the Department of the Taoiseach, went to the Departments responsible for tourism and sport, and community and rural affairs and is now with the Department of Health. One can only conclude that drugs and related issues are very far down the list of priorities. Where does the Government stand on this issue? How serious a commitment is it giving to the national drugs strategy? In his answer the Taoiseach might consider the fact that the drugs projects have suffered 38% cuts since 2008. When decisions are being made about Ministers, will the Taoiseach consider the idea of appointing a Minister of State whose sole remit would be drugs?

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