Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 1

Adjournment Debate. - Suspected Drug-Related Death.

Mr. T. Kitt

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.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Stephen McMillan. It was a cruel blow to have a son of such tender years taken away in such tragic circumstances. One can only begin to imagine how tragic it was for the family to receive the news that this young man collapsed and subsequently died. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that this tragic case came to their attention only this morning. Deputy Kitt will appreciate that I am not in a position, pending receipt of a report of the Garda investigation, to make a detailed comment on the case. I understand that a post mortem has yet to be held.

I am concerned about reports that the drug, commonly referred to as ecstasy, was available at the event in question. I note that a spokesman for the Point Depot has stated that their security staff searched everyone entering the venue. I further note that the general manager of the venue has said that anyone who is approached by persons selling drugs should contact security immediately. The concert promoters have declared that drugs were not freely available at the event. I am not in a position at present to comment on these statements. I will await a Garda report before assessing them. This is not to imply in any way that the owners of the venue and the concert promoters are not being factual in their statements, but given the nature of some of the eye-witness reports as quoted in the press, I believe it prudent to await the Garda report.

I would like to take this opportunity to comment on the drug ecstasy. I am concerned that some people seem to be of the view that ecstasy is a so-called soft drug and, as such, not especially dangerous. Let us be clear about this, ecstasy can kill and has killed. If nothing else, last Saturday's tragic event demonstrates this better than any words of mine or Deputy Kitt. Ecstasy is not a harmless drug; it can and does destroy life.

Part of the problem in dealing with this drug is that it has been glamorised to a great extent by elements of the music industry. To put it simply, many see this drug as an integral part of the so-called rave scene. I ask the national media, both broadcast and print, to be careful not to fall into the trap of glamorising this drug. They have a responsibility to the community not to give young people the impression that this drug is in some way cool. I consider it a matter of deep regret and highly unhelpful that this drug has had such a propaganda effort mounted on its behalf. Last Saturdays tragic incident showed the reality of ecstasy.

I do not have figures of the number of people who have died from this drug. I do not know where Deputy Kitt got his figures. They are not available officially to me but I will check them. I will examine the Garda report when it is available — I understand it will be available very quickly. A number of people will have to be questioned about their knowledge of what happened at this event. It is important that we learn the facts as to what occurred at this Dance Nation function, as it was called.

The dance was advertised in the Point Depot, which is licensed for public dancing. It was a fully licensed dance rather than the so-called unlicensed rave discos about which we are aware. Supervision and medical personnel were in attendance at the event. I will await the Garda report and will then take the necessary action. I again extend my sympathy to the family of the young man who died.

The Dáil adjourned at 11.10 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 June 1995.