Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I join with my colleagues in extending our support and good wishes to the people of Cork, who are experiencing great difficulties this morning. I support the call for the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, to discuss with the House the flooding across the country, particularly in the Shannon catchment area and callows. He intends to discuss the matter with the Office of Public Works, Waterways Ireland and the ESB, given the serious disagreement between them and the IFA regarding the causes of some of the flooding in the Shannon callows.

I rise this morning to congratulate the Garda on the record seizure of a shipment of cocaine. Major crime bosses in this city are reputed to have lost €3 million each. Some "investors", as they are called, from mainland Europe and the UK have taken a significant financial hit. It is difficult to quantify how many people will continue to live as a result of the Garda's excellent work. We have a responsibility to ensure that the Garda is sufficiently resourced to tackle serious crime. I hope that the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, is continuing to take a close look at how the people in question are making their money and for what the proceeds of crime are being used.

We are conscious of the considerable damage being done to many lives, particularly young people. The drugs issue would make for a good discussion topic at a public consultation session in the Chamber. I would welcome an opportunity to hear from all of the people who are working with those whose lives have been damaged by drugs. It is incumbent on us to do something constructive to tackle the curse of drugs and to do something for those whose lives are being destroyed daily. Will the Leader consider arranging for a public consultation session on this issue at some point?