Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly agree with Senator Keane in calling for a full debate on drugs, the drug culture and the availability of drugs. Garda resources and policing are very much linked to crime. Gangland crime in Dublin is linked to the drugs culture. In rural parts of the country the majority of crime is linked in some way or other to the drugs culture and industry. It is a major industry and something that needs to be seriously addressed. If the Criminal Assets Bureau is not adequately resourced, resources should be made available to it to tackle the issue. I would like the see the Department of Social Protection take a keener interest in where some of those who appear to have a significant amount of wealth without any clear evidence of gainful employment got their money. It is a mystery to me. I am aware of people who are in a position to buy expensive cars and vans and pay for them in full in cash without having evidence of a job. This needs to be examined. It is my view that a lot of the wealth that is circulating in some communities is inextricably linked to the drugs industry. I support the idea of having a Minister of State with responsibility for tackling the drugs culture in this country. We need a major debate on this issue in the House because it is devastating the lives of many young people and destroying families and the social fabric of society throughout the country. I appeal to the Leader to organise an urgent debate on this very serious matter.