Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday we had a very long debate on the Bill with the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne. I came in with one view and I listened to the Minister of State but I subsequently took time to go to a centre in Dún Laoghaire yesterday evening because I thought it was important. A number of Senators said to me afterwards that nothing would happen and that the Minister of State would not bring in legislation. As I said to her yesterday, she made a very impressive contribution but the reality is that the Government has indicated that it will not accept either of the amendments. I referred yesterday to the four detox beds in Dublin. I replayed what she said, which was to the effect that she could not guarantee anything. That is not good enough.

The scourge of drugs has bedevilled and ripped out the heart of every community in this country. It knows no bounds. It has touched every family. The Minister of State knows that and I know it. Brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers - everyone is affected.With all due respect to the Minister of State, who I believe is an outstanding Minister and has a track record unlike many, 40 detox beds in Dublin is unacceptable. Addressing that must be a priority for the Government. When we talk about detox and people wanting rehabilitation, where are they to move on to if there are only 40 detox beds available?

I am now of the view that we have to push it. The Government has indicated that it is not prepared to take on these amendments. Will the Minister of State be back here in September or October with legislation to deal with these issues? If not, we have to push these amendments, because people are expecting us to do something. I know the Minister of State is aware of these critical issues, that there are difficulties and constraints and it takes a long time to roll out programmes. Will the Minister of State give us a reassurance on the timeframe during which she can introduce the comprehensive and improved legislation that she talked about?