Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased we are holding this debate, which reflects on many communities across the island of Ireland. A number of Senators referred to alcohol and drug abuse, which is prevalent in every townland in the Republic. We have to face that reality.

In my role as a public representative and particularly since becoming a Senator, I have liaised with many parents, school teachers and principals, third-level educators and people in the world of sport. Their concerns about drug abuse seem to increase as the months pass. Our society is being targeted by those who push drugs and bring them through our ports and borders from mainland Europe and further afield to ruin the lives of families and the health of young people. A lot is being done by the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Carey, in this area.

The National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 contains several good proposals, including the establishment of 14 local and ten regional drugs task forces. One such task force, the north-west regional drugs task force, is based in my area. The five pillars of responsibility for the task forces are supply reduction, prevention of drug abuse, treatment, rehabilitation and research.

Drugs are a major problem in regional and small towns as well as in large cities. Members of the Garda Síochána find it particularly difficult to address the issue because of the number of new strands that continually arise. During the last quarter of 2007, the issue of drugs rose to national attention because prominent figures lost their lives due to misuse. The issue affects many people in society.

I concur with other Senators that the issue cannot solely be addressed by the Garda Síochána. We have to consider a wider spectrum. The drugs task forces, the Departments of Education and Science and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are working together on the issue but we need to address the misuse of drugs at an early stage.