Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I join with others in welcoming former colleagues to the House. Last night's "Prime Time Investigates" programme highlighted the amount of drug use and the availability of drugs throughout the country. The dangers to people's health were highlighted. The violence on the streets was frightening and this part of Celtic tiger Ireland is not something to be proud of. It presents many challenges for the Government and for society. Those taking cocaine for so-called recreational purposes must get the message that they are involved in a very dangerous and criminal activity. It is killing people and lining the pockets of dangerous criminals. If they know that a party is going on where drugs are freely available, citizens have an obligation and a responsibility to report it to the Garda. They cannot turn a blind eye and leave it to somebody else.

The Garda Síochána and customs officials must be given the necessary resources to tackle this problem. There is just one scanning machine to cover all of our ports, which is unacceptable in this day and age. We on this side of the House are willing to support any legislative proposal by the Government that may assist, but greater urgency is required to tackle this problem which is ravaging the country. I call on the Minister to outline to this House his proposals to tackle this problem.

Last week a report on emergency services for the homeless disclosed that many of the hostels that house homeless people leave much to be desired and do not comply with fire safety regulations. It also stated that a significant proportion of residents have mobility problems and poor physical health and that standards set out in the fire regulations for hostels need to be addressed. Governments and societies are judged on how they treat the weakest. We have some way to go before proper accommodation, assessment and appropriate support is provided for our homeless. I ask that a debate on this issue be taken as a matter of urgency in the near future.