Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Tréaslaím leat, a Chathaoirligh, as ucht cúig bliana a chaitheamh sa Chathaoir. Níl aon amhras faoi ach gur thug tú stádas faoi leith don Seanad. Bhí tú cothram agus macánta linn i gconaí. Tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go geal leat amach anseo.

This House has been proactive on many serious issues over the years and one of them, which has been the subject of several debates, is the drugs problem. In that regard, we are currently experiencing a war of great intensity, a war of good versus evil. The drug barons are condemning young people to a life of misery. Worse, they are condemning them to death in the most tragic circumstances. It is not just the young victims who suffer. We must also consider the violence and the many killings that have occurred in this country in recent years. Drugs were at the root of the violence in many of these cases.

The extent of the recent haul off the coast of Ireland tells us quite clearly that we are dealing with something on an international scale seldom experienced previously. We should compliment the Garda Síochána which has had success, limited though it may be. Apart from legislation and implementing the law the only way we can succeed on this issue is for the entire community to take ownership of the problem and co-operate fully both officially and in a private capacity to ensure it comes to an end.