Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I wish to avail of this motion to make what I hope are comments of a fundamental nature on the epidemic of substance abuse in our society. The time has clearly come for a major redirection of resources relating to the treatment and prevention of substance abuse. Irish society shares with the rest of the developed world many of the social problems that arise out of wealth and substance abuse is one such problem. While we must treat the individuals who are caught up in these problems in a humane and civilised way, above all we must concentrate on removing to the greatest possible extent the root causes of the problem. For example, a society in which binge drinking is the perceived norm is in a poor position to deal with the epidemic of cocaine.

Young people are the most vulnerable to drug and alcohol misuse and we must acknowledge that they have a crucial role to play with their keen perceptions and their ability to criticise the inconsistencies and inadequacies of a society which we all share. They have a right to be heard and it is our duty here, in Seanad Éireann, to take account of their views. We must have the energy, enthusiasm, idealism and commitment to deal with the issue of substance abuse and, most importantly, the current crises we are facing regarding cocaine abuse.

At this time of economic good fortune we have been provided with the possibility to build and maintain a social structure that rejects the notion that drug taking in any walk of life is acceptable, be it in a nightclub, at a dinner party, at a sports event or in the workplace, Leinster House or elsewhere. A person who recreationally, routinely or passively observes such use may note that all cases have a common dominator in that they fuel the drug lord and his criminal activities. Where does collective responsibility begin?

The Dublin County Coroner stated yesterday that cocaine was the commonest cause of death in more than half of all inquests. The year 2007 has seen a large number of inquests into drug related deaths and nearly all deaths involved young people. Ireland has the third highest cocaine use in Europe and seizures of the drug have risen 800% in the past five years. We cannot ignore these statistics.

Substance abuse is not just a matter for the police as health and education play their part too. Each and every one of us has a crucial role to play in the eradication and erosion through education of this scourge in society.

Cocaine has been glamorised and romanticised but the public must understand the opposite is the truth. Cocaine in Ireland mainly comes from Colombia and is produced from a leaf which is stamped into the ground, made into a paste and then mixed with kerosene, sulphuric acid, calcium and a range of other chemicals. Where is the glamour in that? The drug is then smuggled here, a journey which may easily involve transportation in somebody's stomach or rectum.