Eoghan Harris (Independent)

I join the call to have a debate on drugs with the Minister whom I commend on the calmness and lack of hysteria with which he has approached the tragic deaths of a number of young people. Discussion of this issue can easily turn hysterical and there is a danger of knee-jerk reactions. I choose my words deliberately and may not be popular on this side of the House for doing so. Ten years ago I would have believed everything that was said on this side but I have done a great deal of work on the drugs issue and given it considerable thought.