Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We all await today the publication of the independent report into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. In particular, those who lost loved ones in that terrible atrocity more than 30 years ago await the report. In agreeing to No. 2 and allowing the committee to go about its work of drawing conclusions from the report over the next three months, in no way am I agreeing that the matter cannot be debated in the House over the coming weeks or perhaps early in the new session. It is important that the Government is represented in a debate in the House tomorrow or early next week, so that it can reflect on today's publication and colleagues on both sides of the House can make their views on the report known. It would be utterly wrong for us to jettison this report to a committee of the House for a three month period without any debate whatsoever. The Leader has my support on No. 2, but I reiterate that this should not suggest that I think the matter should not be debated in the House over the coming three months. That would be the wrong signal to send out to those who have sought this report for some years. I urge the Leader to organise a debate on this matter as soon as possible.

We have had some good debates in the House on the national drugs strategy, during which the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Noel Ahern, has given a good account of himself. The problem of cocaine abuse, especially in Dublin, is escalating and must be addressed. Earlier this week the National Advisory Committee on Drugs pinpointed the problem of the rise in cocaine use in Dublin. The Government has continually failed to recognise this growing problem, using the argument that it is not emerging at treatment centres around the city.

We need to get real on the problem of cocaine abuse. It is the next wave after heroin, which has destroyed so many communities in this and many other cities. Cocaine is a real issue and it must be addressed. I ask the Leader to convey my views on this matter to the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, at the earliest possible time with a view to arranging a debate early in the next session on this problem. A range of measures is needed to address the problem of cocaine abuse. We are not well equipped currently when the Government will not recognise the extent of cocaine abuse in the city.