Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

Having listened to Senators comment on the national day of protest, I urge people to consider how well social partnership has worked over the past decade or thereabouts. I encourage all those involved to use the social partnership model, which has passed the acid test, and call on them to participate in talks and negotiations and do everything in their power to achieve an outcome much more meaningful and beneficial than a simple day of protest or other similar action.

I congratulate the emergency services, especially the Garda Síochána and Customs and Excise, on their work in detecting contraband and illegal substances entering the State. One of the largest hauls of illegal cigarettes ever found was discovered two weeks ago and many other illegal substances have been found recently.

The Dublin City and County Coroner has noted a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the use of illegal substances, in particular a specific type of drug. I ask the Leader to seek a statement from the coroner on the matter and decide, on the basis of the statement, whether the House should hold a debate on the use of illegal substances.