Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue that is quite serious and has been a scourge in recent years, namely class A drugs. We really have to tackle the problem head-on. As we know, the types of drugs coming in have changed significantly. Even in rural communities, one would be shocked to see how common cocaine and similar types of drugs have become. Heretofore, such drugs were prevalent on nights out in large cities or towns but now they have ravaged their way through the whole of Ireland. Among the younger population, they seem to be the norm or are certainly heading towards that. This should not be the case. If we do not tackle this problem head-on quite soon, there will be many repercussions. The Leader, like all the politicians here who are dealing with people in clinics, will know of the knock-on effects of drugs on families, relations, the wider community and work. The problem is becoming more prevalent. It is probably worth having a serious conversation on it in the House.