Seanad debates

Wednesday, 19 February 2003

National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008: Statements.

 

We are unable to control the problems we can see, so we certainly have no control over the things we cannot see. Nobody seems to have the answer to these problems. The streets are an absolute disgrace in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings. There is not a sufficiently large Garda presence. When many gardaĆ­ are on the streets at night, it is noticeable that there is less violence and less damage to property. People have to be punished financially if we are to change their behaviour, because such punishment hurts them. They will think twice before misbehaving if they, or their parents, have to pay a substantial fine. The law should be enforced in a way that affects people's pockets. I do not deny that people with serious addiction problems have to be treated in suitable facilities and helped to return to society.

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