Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I believe he genuinely wants to deal with this problem. I saw the Minister of State on a television debate with what I can only describe as celebrity half-wits before the recent high profile tragedies. These persons were promoting the legalisation of drugs. One can ask where these celebrities are now. They have gone to ground because the same media is publicising these high profile tragedies and the loss of life of two young men due to cocaine in my home area. We are led to believe that one never had any involvement in drugs but just happened to get involved with the wrong crowd on the wrong night.

It is important that we resist the legalisation of drugs at every opportunity. I commend the Minister of State on his efforts in this regard. However, in speaking about drugs we must not neglect the serious issue of alcohol abuse. We should acknowledge this problem at all levels, especially under-age drinking and binge drinking. Currently, there is easy availability of alcohol to under age persons. If we are serious about tackling drugs we should examine the operation of off-licences and supermarkets, as significant amounts of alcohol are being purchased by teenagers or others to give to them. Alcohol abuse paves the way for the abuse of other drugs. It can generate an acceptability in society for such behaviour.

We must tackle this issue on many levels. If we tackle the issue of supply then we will make progress. We must also promote a more holistic approach in terms of providing facilities for young people. Providing an alternative is important, in addition to education and training.

Currently the Garda has localised drug units but my information is that many of them are not solely dedicated to tackling drugs and that they are being diverted from drug problems to carry out other Garda activities. That is not good enough, given the serious nature of the drug problem in society. A more regionalised approach is required to take on the drug barons who are currently one step ahead of the Garda. They are moving from one area to another and they are aware of where the Garda is under-resourced. We need more manpower in the Garda and more intelligence. A regional approach would allow for the pooling of intelligence in order to take on drug barons more effectively. We should start with the top ten drug barons who are well known to the Garda, target them and take them out.

A survey produced by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors this year identified that nationally we should have 53 sergeants and 390 gardaí, including detectives, tackling drugs. These gardaí would be dedicated to the problem of tackling drugs and associated crimes. Unfortunately, the current complement is only 39 sergeants and 239 gardaí, which is a case of serious under-resourcing. Surveillance equipment is required, in addition to vehicles and top class technology to take on the drug barons as the best of equipment is available to them. They know exactly what moves the Garda makes. We need to properly resource the Garda to tackle this serious issue.

The phrase "personal choice" has been bandied about lately in regard to drug use. We need to be very careful in our language. This does not take into account the impact the personal choice, per se, has on the individual, families, communities and society. Drug taking is much more than just a case of personal choice as it has a wider impact. We all need to work together to beat this scourge.