Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

The drugs problem is not only confined to Dublin. Since the Westies gang was broken up in Dublin, Carlow has seen a very significant increase in the amount of drugs in the county and in violence. There was a shooting in Carlow approximately a year ago which was directly related to drugs. We should widen the debate to include the entire country.

The Padraig Nally case was discussed yesterday. It has raised the issue of the need for Travellers to face up to problems within their community. There is a strong connection between the drugs trade and some Travellers, including in Carlow, and we should have a debate on that issue. If we want equality, we should not be afraid to ask the hard questions. It is time for the Traveller community to face up to its responsibilities and that the leadership of that community took on the minority therein who are very involved in the drugs trade.