Speaking in the Dáil on the Private Members motion on Drugs Task Forces.

In my speech I highlighted issues around the lack of proper funding and provision of resources to Drug task forces and those involved in Drug Projects.  Funding was cut from 2008 to 2014 and has been frozen since 2014.  I also spoke about the intimidation of families over drug debts and my concerns about grooming children to act as drug couriers.

I also paid tribute in my speech to a great anti-drug and community activist John ‘Whacker’ Humphries who passed recently.   ‘Whacker’ Humphries and those who worked in the anti-drug movement showed great courage and were an inspiration to their local communities.

On the Anniversary of the Stardust Tragedy myself and Sinn Féin TD’s Sean Crowe and Denise Mitchell spoke in the Dáil about the urgent need for a new inquest into the tragedy and justice for the families who have been waiting all these years for the truth of what happened that night. A vigil was being held at the gates of the Dáil at the same time by families and friends of the victims in remembrance of all those who died on that tragic night.