Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share Deputy Howlin’s view and thank him for his comment that it is important that everybody sends out a very clear message, and not only that but shows by action that we stand with these communities and this community in particular. The Deputy is right to say that crimes do not exist in a vacuum. The difference between this situation and ones that applied in previous years is the international offshore connection where those who have gained vast proceeds from dealing in drugs live very different lives, with the shallowness of that ill-gained wealth, and give their directions from abroad.

In the meantime, the response now is to focus on intelligence, prosecution, the courts system and getting people behind bars for criminal activities. As the Deputy well knows, that is a labour-intensive situation. The Limerick situation he mentions was different because of the international connections now. I welcome the resolve of everybody in the House to deal with this. When I have a full briefing from the Commissioner in respect of what is there now and what is required, I will share that with the leaders of the groups here.

I can confirm that a task force will deal with the local situation in the inner city. I can confirm to Deputy Howlin that an action-based national strategy to deal with drugs will be put in place and that there will be consultation with local drugs task forces and communities.

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