Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

From the Tánaiste's response, I am sure she will agree that it is clear that this is a highly complex issue that does not simply pertain to drug addiction, as many other issues are related to it, including mental health. Some of these issues have been discussed previously in the Chamber. It is for that reason, when one considers we have a national drugs strategy with 63 action points and which covers 19 Government agencies and Departments, it is important to have somebody with sole responsibility for dealing with this issue. That is why I am asking whether the Government will commit to appointing a Minister of State with specific responsibility for it. It is all well and good to state the Minister sitting next to the Tánaiste has decided to take a direct role in dealing with it. I am sure he is extremely busy in his capacity as Minister for Health, with many other pressures on him and issues facing him. Therefore, if the Government is serious - I hope the Tánaiste is serious about dealing with the issue - why is it that for the first time for 21 years, there is no Minister of State with specific responsibility for dealing with the drugs problem? Again, I ask the Tánaiste to commit to appointing one.

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