Mayo senator issues call for drug-testing in the workplace

Illicit drug-taking is an epidemic in Ireland and a factor that is greatly affecting the mental health of many people more than anything else.

That's according to Mayo Senator Paddy Burke.

The Castlebar-based representative said the government should consider introducing drug testing in the workforce.

He elaborated: "There are countries that have drug testing in the workforce, particularly in the construction sector and in many other areas.

"It is very prevalent in Australia, for instance, particularly if people are working on high-rise buildings or driving machines.

"It is only fair for the safety of others that drug testing would take place.

"I ask the government to take a serious look at this.

"We are now approaching a phase in which people will be working from home.

"People who are on drugs will not be noticed, whereas if they have to go to the workplace somebody might notice they are on drugs.

"The issue is not to find out that they are on drugs but that the mental health of those people can deteriorate if they do not get help, and they may not get the required help if they are working from home. It is an area we should examine.

"I saw a statistic more than two years ago that 50% of people in the country are taking drugs. That is a massive statistic.

"I do not know whether it is true, but if it is, it is shocking.

"We have seen the number of fines from the Garda Síochána. It is doing great work in detecting drugs.

"Even last Monday, €7 million worth of drugs were found in Kildare. Imagine €7 million worth of drugs.

"In the little village of Balla in my home area, the garda found €73,000 worth of drugs.

"I believe it is an epidemic in the country. It is something that is greatly affecting the mental health of many people, more than anything else in my view.

"There certainly must be a demand when so many drugs are coming into the country.

"It brings great misery to many families. It is not a stigma, in my view. We all should reach out to people who need help."