asked the Taoiseach if he will transfer responsibility for drug abuse to the Department of Justice as is the practice in other European countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Abuse.
1.
While the problem of drug abuse involves a number of Departments, the Minister for Health will sponsor the proposed new legislation on this matter.
At the moment, I see no need for the suggested transfer of responsibility.
Would the Tánaiste not agree that the Department of Health and the Minister for Health have fallen down seriously on this job and that we are the only country in Europe which vests responsibility for this problem in the Department of Health? Each country in Europe vests responsibility for this problem either in its Ministry for Home Affairs or in its Department of Justice. The Minister has not sought representation on any European council for drug abuse where information might be co-ordinated. As a result of the handling of the matter by the Minister for Health, who has shown his inadequacy to deal with this problem, would the Taoiseach not transfer responsibility for it to the Department of Justice where it rightly belongs?
I think the Taoiseach would reply to that that the Deputy is talking nonsense.
Is the Tánaiste aware that on three separate occasions he indicated to the House that he would introduce legislation which would help to counter the increase in the drug problem in this country? He has made no effort at all in this regard and has attempted to underplay the problem and ridicule those who attempt to raise the matter. When will the Tánaiste take some real steps to attack the drug problem in this city? If he will not take such steps will he transfer responsibility to some other Minister?
I made a full statement on the Estimate and I do not propose to repeat it.