Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

We can talk about cannabis and cocaine abuse, and I have reports on both if anyone wants to be informed on such abuse, but the main drug of choice is alcohol and the problem of alcohol abuse must be tackled in this House.

In the context of a major bomb scare this week in CastleCourt, in Belfast, and the murders, attempted murders and bomb scares, the two sources of employment in the Six Counties are the Civil Service and retailing. A direct hit is being made in economic terms in the Six Counties in the run up to Christmas on the very employment source that is their greatest support. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come into the House before Christmas for a debate to allow us put on the record of this House our abhorrence for what is taking place and our disdain for this action by a minority. We must ensure that the existing employment and the feel-good factor coming up to Christmas is not ruined by a bomb going off. As a member of a family who experienced a bomb explosion in their own premises, I can speak of the reality of that and it is not a pleasant prospect coming up to Christmas.