John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

——see it as trendy to be regularly involved in cocaine use, which is frightening. Cocaine sniffing has now become almost as acceptable as snuff was in the early 1900s. We must tackle this problem. Everyone can say who is using it and who is pushing it. In fact, certain sections of our society are very much involved in the transportation and pushing of drugs in the community. They will have to be targeted by any means at the disposal of the Garda Síochána. In turn, gardaí must get full support from the public to put an end to drug abuse. Citizens have a responsibility to do so, although many prefer to turn a blind eye. There is sufficient legislation to deal with this problem but it must be used to good effect. When someone is fined only €50 for possessing ecstasy it makes one think. It is not what one expects. There are severe sentences for drug pushing but they are not implemented on many occasions because the Judiciary wishes to exercise its discretion, which is its prerogative.

As with alcohol, education is required to combat drug abuse. People who have suffered from alcohol and drugs should be asked to explain to secondary school pupils the dangers involved.