John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Quinn's remarks on Saturday's match. I also hope that political parties would not spoil the event by holding protests. No more than his family, my family has been very involved in the GAA for years. I was very much in favour of opening Croke Park to other sports. However, when the day came and Ireland played against France, I could understand the emotion attached. Considerable emotion will be attached to Saturday's game. In many ways the stadium is a national monument. Saturday's match will give the Irish nation an opportunity to show how far we have come and to be able to stand up and pay respects to the anthem of our neighbour. While we might not agree with its words, we will be able to show our maturity and can pay it the same respect we would pay any other national anthem because it is no more than that. If I can get a ticket perhaps you, a Chathaoirligh, would look after me. I look forward to the match on Saturday.

Following the verdict in the Dublin Circuit Court yesterday, where a two year sentence, the last year of which was suspended, was handed down in respect of a man who was involved in what the judge described as a cottage-industry producing cocaine in Lucan, may we have a discussion as soon as possible with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who is responsible for that area but also with the Minister of State with responsibility for the drugs issue, Deputy Noel Ahern, on where the problems rests?

Last week I was shocked and horrified to hear certain remarks made in the other House. Deputy Kenny raised the issue of drug abuse and the availability of drugs in towns and villages throughout the country. He made the point that pretty much every substance is available in most towns and the Taoiseach dismissed it. If the Taoiseach is that much out of touch with the reality on the ground in provincial Ireland he needs to be removed from his position. We need to have an urgent debate with his brother, the Minister of State who has responsibility in this area, on the scourge of drugs. Even in a city the size of Kilkenny there are approximately 80 heroin addicts. A few years ago we had none. The Taoiseach refuses to admit there is a problem, based on his remarks last week. I call for a debate on that issue as soon as possible.