Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I too was horrified by what I saw on the "Prime Time Investigates" exposé last night. Perhaps we should ask the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to explain where the regulators for our health system are. For too long we have relied on "Prime Time" to expose such situations. Some people working in the health boards are paid vast sums to produce reports and to regulate the system, but obviously they will not break up an old boys club. We must ensure systems are put in place to put an end to this.

Six people died horrible deaths from contaminated heroin in our capital city last weekend. The situation is out of control. I have often stated in the House that if we do not cut down on the availability of cannabis, cocaine or crack cocaine, we will have a dangerous crime epidemic. We need real and frank debate on the ever-increasing dangers in society as a result of drugs. Regional drugs task forces have been up and running for the past four years but are they doing the job they were set up to do or are they just talking shops? Will the Leader invite the relevant Minister to the House to explain the situation?

Last night, there were more than 1,000 farmers in the Royal Hotel in Roscommon. They are very angry at what they perceive as another stealth tax. The Government has claimed it is more than €6 billion in the black, but it has clearly overcharged the people. I ask it now to begin giving the money back.