I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for your help, co-operation and support during this session. You have given us latitude and have always been courteous, kind and generous in your dealings with us and it is much appreciated. We also very much appreciate the support of the staff of the House. Many amendments emanate from our small group but they are always treated with great respect and courtesy.
I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter, which concerns the urgent need to establish a full-time drugs unit in north Tipperary. As a public representative for the area, I have received many visits to my constituency clinics by parents, in particular, who are extremely concerned at the number of drug-related incidents which involve their own children. One woman has not only come to me but has also gone to the local press and radio station to tell her story. It concerns her 16 year old daughter who was handed an illegal substance in Nenagh several weeks ago and ended up in hospital as a result. The person who gave her the illegal substance is well known. The teenager's mother went to the Garda station and made a statement but it was impossible for the Garda to act against the individual involved and the individual is still at large.
I am aware of many other incidents similar to this and it is not unusual in a small community for incidents to be recorded. While one must take a certain amount of myth and legend into account, I have no reason not to believe this woman or others who have informed me about similar incidents. I have taken it upon myself to increase my knowledge of the entire situation. This is why I am asking the Minister to ensure a full-time drugs unit is established. It appears that it is only by way of the establishment of a full-time drugs unit in north Tipperary that the problem can be tackled effectively. This would mean that certain members of the Garda Síochána in north Tipperary, particularly in the towns of Nenagh and Thurles, would be assigned on a full-time basis to work on the drugs problem. These would be gardaí who would have an interest and experience in the area and who would be committed to dealing with this awful problem and the terrible effects, not only on the individuals involved and their families, but on the communities in which they live.
The drugs menace is not confined to the cities or poor areas, although these areas have been ravaged for a considerable period by the horrendous activities of drug barons. Illegal substances are a problem in every town and village throughout Ireland. They have penetrated every community, are causing havoc and wreaking terrible damage on a number of families. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure, by way of legislation, that this problem is countered.
In the short time during which I have been a Member of this House, the Minister of State's colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has brought forward some very stringent legislation to deal with this menace, legislation which has been supported by this side of the House. That legislation provides a framework for the Garda Síochána and other agencies to move against these drug barons. However, resources must be provided on the ground. It is on the ground, on a one to one basis in communities where instances such as these are taking place that the Garda must be given not only the legislative power they need but also the resources. I am appealing tonight, on behalf of those families who are already affected and the families who are potential victims of this menace, for a full-time drugs unit to be established so that this scourge and menace can be controlled and that people and communities can be protected and allowed to thrive.
