asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report that it was well known to the Garda that boys and girls in their early teens were paying from 2/6 to 5/- for single reefers (cigarettes tipped with certain drugs) and 5/- a cup for shot coffee; if so, what action he intends to take; and when he intends to introduce legislation so that clubs where these are available can be subjected to the same controls as dance halls.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Drugs in Clubs.
34.
I have seen the report in question for which, as far as I am aware, there is no foundation whatsoever. The Garda have no knowledge of the kind attributed to them.
I have no legislative proposals under consideration in relation to clubs of this kind but the Minister for Health has already stated, in reply to a question on 5th October, that he intends to introduce legislation in relation to the possession of certain drugs and related matters.
Is the Minister aware that this report appeared in what is looked upon by Fianna Fáil as a responsible Sunday paper? Is he aware that this drug addiction could be a potential danger among Irish people and that now is the time to nip it in the bud? Is he further aware that as regards drug addiction. Professor Wilson said in Trinity College that:
If we do not make our plans now for its prevention, Ireland will have the same problem in the field of drug dependence as faces other countries in our western civilisation.
Quotations are not in order.
Would the Minister not suggest that this is the time to nip it in the bud?
I have no responsibility for hysterical newspaper reports or professors' reports.
Has the Minister responsibility for this? He seems to be washing his hands of responsibility for anything.
Sin ceist eile.
Gan amhras.