Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

I rise to extend my sincere sympathies to the families who have lost their sons and daughters to drugs during the past week. I thank people on the other side of the House for their support. We have a duty and a job to do together in this House and the way to do it is unanimously. We must think outside the box in terms of how we will reduce the supply of cocaine. I agree with the Leader of the Opposition that one x-ray machine at one of our main ports is not enough. We are playing while dealing with professionals. If we do not approach in a professional manner what is done by the Garda Síochána and other organisations available to the State we will not be successful in the fight against drugs.

The "Prime Time Investigates" programme on RTE last night was an example of excellent, methodical reporting. It is appropriate that Senators should comment when the public broadcaster does a good job. The programme makers left nothing to chance and showed how the lives of young people and their families have been taken over and destroyed by drugs. It is frightening to have had such large loss of life in such a short time, with two young men in Mullingar still on life support machines. The House has a responsibility to the wider community to consider introducing roadside drug testing, which is in place in Spain.