I express my deepest sympathy to the family of Stephen McMillan who tragically lost his life having collapsed at the Dance Nation rave event held at the Point Depot in Dublin last Saturday night.
I understand that another young woman attending the same event was seriously injured when she fell over a banister. The drug ecstasy was freely sold and consumed on the night in question. This drug has been available for approximately four years and can be obtained in every city, town and village. Sadly it has almost become acceptable as a source of enjoyment and pleasure, which is the most disturbing aspect.
It must be stated with absolute clarity that ecstasy kills. Officially there have been six ecstasy related deaths in recent times — unofficially the figure is as high as 14. Ecstasy may cause dehydration, convulsion, blood clotting and heart and renal failure. It may bring on panic attacks, extreme state of anxiety and psychosis. These symptoms are not dose related; a quarter or half a tablet may have the same effect as three or four tablets. They are the harsh facts.
Serious questions must be answered concerning the organisation of the Point rave event last Saturday, which was attended by 7,000 young people ranging in age from 14 to 19 years. It should deeply concern all of us in this House that drugs were freely sold and consumed in the presence of those organising the event. Sadly, the taking of ecstasy is treated as acceptable. The taking of that killer drug should never be treated as acceptable. Promoters of major musical events for young people make huge profits from ticket sales and are duty bound to provide maximum safeguards and security for those attending.
Reports from this major event are very disturbing. Some people who attended described it as scary and eerie. Those who take JE" tablets may lose their personalities and become robot-like in their behaviour. Other disturbing reports related to the turning off of the water supply in the toilet areas. Those who take ecstasy need large quantities of water, and in this case the organisers charged £1.20 per bottle, again making huge profits. I am concerned that there is an apparent acceptability of this action.
It is time the Minister instigated a thorough investigation into the sale of drugs such as ecstasy at clubs and dance events. Together with the organisers of such events she should endeavour to tackle comprehensively this deadly practice that is eating away at our vulnerable young population. Why do the promoters of events not spell out the dangers involved and issue warnings that ecstasy kills? An effective and imaginative advertising campaign should be conducted by the Government, involving promoters and organisers of these events to get the message across to young people about the real threat to their lives from taking ecstasy, because the message certainly has not been received.
Many young people are very vulnerable and are under enormous peer pressure to take the first tablet, first a quarter, then a half, and they are told it will do no harm. These tablets contain lethal impurities and do great long term harm. Times have changed dramatically and in many ways our young people need much more support than we did when we were young.
The introduction of ecstasy seems to have taken the fun out of concerts and dances and sadly it is becoming more acceptable. I appeal to the Minister to first instigate an investigation into the tragic death of Stephen McMillan who lost his life after taking ecstasy; second, carry out a comprehensive investigation into the sale of drugs such as ecstasy at clubs and dance events and report back on the mattert, and, third, initiate as a matter of urgency an effective and imaginative advertising campaign involving the promoters of events to get the message across loud and clear that ecstasy kills, a message they sadly do not hear at present. It has been stated that we are going to have a summer of JE"; let us ensure that does not happen.