James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the very limited time I have, I want to outline some of my own concerns as a young person of 24 years of age. I have discussed this issue with both Ministers of State previously. I have a strong degree of concern about the rapid increase in cocaine consumption in Ireland, and the knock-on impact this is having on the mental health of so many young people. Within this debate there are many different factors that feed into people's mental health and their self-esteem that can cause increased anxiety and pressures on young people. Something that absolutely rings true to me is that throughout the pandemic many younger people have been using drugs more often, from what I have seen. I have a deep concern about this. In bringing this issue to the House I also want to bring some degree of a solution. I believe that we need to see a strong national campaign on the airwaves, in the media and on social media that targets this particular issue and tries to increase awareness about it among younger people and their parents. If there is anything I would like to see being taken away from the debate, it is this. This problem will cause more issues in the future. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on the work she has been doing in the Department. It has not gone unnoticed. I am aware of how much she is committed to this issue. The Minister of State has worked very closely with me. Perhaps the Ministers of State, Deputies Butler and Feighan, could take that issue away from the debate today.

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