Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

Most days our thoughts and vocabulary are primarily dominated by economics, financial matters, family income, personal debt and Europe. I was shocked and saddened to learn that this country is No. 1 in Europe for the use of heroin and we are third highest for deaths from illegal substances. It is a shocking indictment to hold those positions in Europe. There is a human side to what is going on in the world. I believe the matter needs to be addressed. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Health to come to the House for a serious, lengthy, genuine debate not just on the problems but on solutions to the trauma that is affecting so many households and families, namely, the scourge of illegal drugs. It is a family health issue. It does not need to get mixed up between the areas of justice and health; it should be specifically dealt with as a family health issue. I seek that the Minister for Health would come to the House for a debate on the issue.