Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, to the House and compliment him on his work in this portfolio. Most accept that he has an exceptionally proactive profile. He adopts a no-nonsense approach to what he must do and he is not prepared to become defeatist. As he stated, there is no quick solution to the problem, which is generally accepted. Indeed, if we want to understand the extent of that problem, we can see it in the very successes that have been achieved in our fight against drug abuse. Statistics show that in 2002, €49 million worth of drugs were seized. In 2003 the figure for seizures was almost €100 million and in 2004 it was approximately €132 million.

I welcome Senator McHugh's comment that this is not a political issue. Of course it is not; it is a human issue that is perhaps one of the most important matters with which we must deal. That is why this debate, and all other debates on this issue, are so very important.

There are three main groups of victims of drug abuse: the misusers, the families of misusers and their communities. If we look back over the years, it is sad to realise that just when we think we are getting on top of the drug problem, we find there is an increase in the use of cocaine and heroin, which is a further difficulty. Following the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy, it was evident the strategy was meeting with considerable success, which most would accept. However, because the goalposts change as the problems maximise, it is essential to refocus on the priorities, which I am glad to note the task force has done. It would be wrong to put in place a strategy and believe it would be relevant for all time. We accept it is necessary to keep the strategy under constant review.

If we consider how we might tackle the problem and how the strategy has been pieced together, the most important element is to prevent drug dealing. The review accepted there will undoubtedly always be a need for more gardaí and more community policing, but that is only one element. We must ask ourselves fundamental questions. Why do so many people need drugs? Why do they experiment with drugs? This does not involve a small number of people. Many in all sections of society use drugs.

The answer to these questions has its roots in our lifestyles. First, there has been a change in family values and structures since the time when there was always one parent at home to bring about a focus and a degree of discipline and accountability. Second, we are more affluent and more money is available. Third, there is a greater exploitation of youth, which is evident in the type of advertising seen not just on television but in marketing generally. These factors must be kept in mind. No matter what answers we have to the immediate problem, we must keep an eye on the ball with regard to the fundamental issues which must be revisited from time to time.

This can be done in two ways. The first involves education, which is already being undertaken. Some people have been especially proactive in this area and perhaps at times they become disillusioned that education programmes have not been taken on board by the young. Perhaps they have been taken on board but we are not aware by how much. How many times have such programmes prevented young people from going down that road by alerting them to dangers of drug taking? One could almost go so far as to suggest that if one becomes addicted to hard drugs, it is the end of life as we know it. Senator McHugh made the point that there is an initial buzz but after that, one is addicted and requires the substance just to get by. People do not realise this at the time. Perhaps many have been prevented from going down that road but it is important to get the message across.

The second point is that role models have a major part to play. It is amazing how people from the world of entertainment and sports can have such an attraction for the young. Again, this results from marketing and advertising. Role models should be presented to the young in the context of avoiding substances that will rule their lives.

In that regard, alcohol must be included. I am glad that in recent years there has been increasing awareness that one of the most prevalent drugs is alcohol. This is not a question of being anti-alcohol. People can drink sensibly, as they have always done. However, one cannot suggest binge drinking is sensible. As I understand it, binge drinking is drinking for the sake of getting drunk. We have heard of cases where young people were prepared to work for two days per week, perhaps in a fast food outlet, so they could spend their earnings on binge drinking at the weekend.

The difficulties we have may be related to vested interests. We were very slow not so much to acknowledge but to promote the concept that alcohol is a drug. There were vested interests which did not want the word "drug" associated with drinking. One can see this even in the structures and resources available to us. We must be courageous in this regard. Alcohol and drugs must be dealt with by the same agencies and using the same resources. If we do not do that, we are ignoring one of the biggest problems in society.

Following a terrible recent tragedy outside a nightclub in Dublin, "Prime Time" made a number of television programmes highlighting the anti-social behaviour which resulted from alcohol abuse in particular, although I am sure drugs were involved as well. Most people, who do not experience this behaviour at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., suddenly became aware of this cancerous element in society. The newspapers then began writing responsible editorials. I recall stating in the House at that time that it would be a seven-day wonder, there would be an outcry and people would be outraged by what was depicted. That happened but if we regulate and legislate to build that outrage into the structure, it will help.

Great emphasis is placed on rehabilitation and I am glad that is part and parcel of the Minster of State's strategy. I have been fortunate to hear young people who have been rehabilitated and it gives one's spirits a lift when one witnesses the absolute enthusiasm they have for life again. They almost have a missionary zeal as they encourage other people not to go down the same road. The Minister of State is correct that treatment works and the positives of what is being achieved must be promoted all the time. If additional resources are needed for rehabilitation, they should be provided.

I am delighted an extensive number of FÁS schemes play a role in the rehabilitation of drug abusers and addicts. When people who have difficulties take up a scheme, they work with people who are not addicted to drugs and the normality of the situation and the insulation provided by that environment can be every bit as powerful as medication in helping them. The FÁS model should be examined because I have witnessed how quickly it works. Perhaps the Minister of State should re-examine the model to establish how interaction can be improved.

I refer to alcohol sponsorship and a suggestion I have made previously. Where organisations benefit from sponsorship by alcohol firms, they should be compensated so that they do not need to take such sponsorship. It would be a step in the right direction because, at the end of the day, sponsorship, even if it only relates to the corporate image of the firm, gives credence to a link between alcohol and achievement, which is not correct.

Alcohol advertising should be banned in the same way as tobacco advertising. Members will recall the outcry when the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, introduced the tobacco regulations. People thought the end of the world was nigh but the smoking ban has been accepted. Smokers will put up their hands nowadays and admit it was a good development. Many of them have endeavoured to give up because of the unfashionable nature of smoking. A similar ban should apply to alcohol because it is a health hazard, especially among young people. To use entertainers and sports people to advertise alcohol and to link achievement with drink is wrong. I fail to see a reason we should not take the bull by the horns in this instance and put an end to alcohol advertising once and for all. The drinks companies will survive and they will still be able promote their products but they should be prevented from using the airwaves and print media and a change should be made in this regard.

I wish the Minister of State well. The statistics outline what has been achieved in a short time. All Departments have brought resources to bear on this issue and significant consultation has taken place. Ten regional task forces are working on this issue and these initiatives indicate the speed at which the programme is being rolled out. However, as the Minister of State said, there is no easy solution to this problem and no one would ever thank us if we became defeatist. We must always focus, therefore, on the positive as well as the problem.