This is a very serious matter. I accept fully the point made by the Minister with regard to the need for social and family awareness and education. But until the problem of the pusher is tackled — and he is the evil behind this drugs problem — we will not really solve the problem despite the best help afforded by education, awareness and so on. Would the Minister not consider, as an emergency measure, taking some very strong action such as the scheduled offence in the Special Criminal Court?

In relation to drug pushing, the community is aware, and the individuals are known individuals in our community, particularly in Dublin ——

But they get off when they are brought to the courts.

I would urge any citizen or any family who has any awareness of — and a number of citizens have come to me in the public interest — or any information about known activities of these individuals to convey it immediately to the Garda Drugs Squad. It is only through that kind of public awareness and vigilance that young people particularly, who are extraordinarily vulnerable, can be protected from the evils of drug pushing.

Deputy Durkan and Deputy O'Hanlon rose.

I do not want to get into a hassle or wrangle with Deputies but if Question Time is going to be availed of for a mini-debate on policy on drugs, or on this that and the other thing, it will get out of hand.

Well this is an important issue ——

Of course, they are all important issues.