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

There have been numerous task forces, strategies and reports, many of which are gathering dust on the shelf. We are now talking about a new task force. As the Taoiseach said, it needs to have key players from the statutory organisations, but they have to be key players with direct access to Ministers. The Department of the Taoiseach also has to be involved, perhaps as the driver. There must also be experienced voices from the community and voluntary sector. Allied to this, to make a difference, there has to be an implementation, monitoring and evaluation team that will have specific short-term, mid-term and long-term objectives and timeframes. We need better and more effective international co-operation, which is vital to target assets.

We need a better understanding of addiction. One of the unintended consequences of the police action is that the drugs supply for many with an addiction will be cut off. Here is an opportunity for them to get into recovery programmes, if treatment and rehabilitation services are available to them. There needs to be an increase in detox facilities, whether community or residential. We need more gardaí, but we also need more youth workers, community and outreach workers. Education is vital, while prevention and education present a major challenge. This means engaging young people, as we have done in the north inner city, in meaningful and non-judgmental conversations.

I acknowledge that this is both complex and difficult. There are no quick-fix solutions and it is going to be a challenge. Nonetheless, there is a real opportunity. This issue is going to move from the media because they will have other stories. However, we cannot afford to lose focus because, if we do, the trail of addiction and crime, including gangland crime, will continue.

See this speech in context