John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Like every other Senator, I pay tribute to Deputy Shortall. She was a principled Minister of State and I hope that her resignation does not mean the fine work she was trying to achieve for front-line services will be lost. I was amazed at the weekend to see what was going on in my own town. I spoke to 17 year old girls and I said to them when I was their age, if girls their age drank, they would have a glass of lager. I asked why they would drink what they drink now and they told me they drink shots and naggins, and they made it clear that they do it because everyone else does it.

I also was amazed to see in my own home town that the taking of cocaine just does not appear to be a huge issue for young ones. I saw boys and girls lining up to go into the ladies' toilets. They were lining up, while bringing in their drinks, for cocaine. All these things are happening nationwide and there is almost an acceptance by the youth of today that this constitutes normal behaviour. I greatly regret that Deputy Shortall has resigned her position because she was trying to deal with this issue. I certainly hope whoever takes over the mantle will follow in her footsteps.