Feargal Quinn (Independent)

He came here yesterday and spoke about funding but did not tell us that at the same time he was cutting the special needs budget. On this basis, I support Senators Bacik and Healy Eames in their call for a debate, even if it is for only half an hour and if all the Minister states is the reason he did not tell us yesterday. I did not know what he would do.

I wish to draw the attention of the Minister for Health and Children to the problem with two particular drugs which are sold freely in Ireland. These drugs are involved in cough mixtures but apparently they are very dangerous. One of them is methamphetamine and the other is pseudoephedrine. Last year, I wrote to the Minister for Health and Children about this matter, and I understand she does not intend to withdraw them. However, in the United States and elsewhere now they are not freely available. They are only available from behind the counter or on prescription and this is a measure we should introduce. I raised this matter last April and last July in County Offaly the Garda intercepted and arrested a number of people with a large quantity of these drugs which were clearly aimed at the Irish market. I will write to the Minister again and I ask for the Leader's help to draw her attention to the fact that these are dangerous and they are not just cough mixtures.