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It is estimated Growth in a resur-
Europeans are spending New Talks to gent United Ireland would IRISH
around $33bn (€30bn) quickly replace British
a year on illegal drugs. Government funding, Sinn
A new EU Drug Féin’s deputy leader said. EXAMINER
Markets Report found Restore Power- Michelle O’Neill said
cannabis to be the most unity would add 2% to the |
popular substance fol- debt of the island but pre-
lowed by cocaine, hero- Sharing to Begin dicted a sharp rise in living
standards
Northern
in
in and then ampheta- Ireland. November
mines. Republicans believe
The research also Brexit and the prospect of
found some 25 million After Election Northern Ireland being 27th,
Europeans aged taken out of the EU against
between 15 and 64 the will of a majority in the 2019
have tried cannabis in referendum has revitalized
the past year. their case for a united
Opioid use such as Ireland.
heroin accounts for the The annual cash transfer
largest proportion of from Great Britain for run-
harm including death. ning public services in
The same research Northern Ireland was con-
revealed that cannabis siderably smaller than wide-
is the main drug for up ly estimated, at around £9.2
to 80% of young people billion a year, Sinn Féin’s
vice-president said.
being treated for mental She added: “I believe it is
health issues, according perfectly manageable and
to a child psychiatrist. the benefits are substantial.”
The research shows a Post-Brexit and over eight
clear link between use years, gross domestic prod-
of the substance and a uct would receive a €25.5
reduced brain structure billion boost, the Sinn Féin
in teenagers. resh talks to revive Northern Ireland. tant are making sure that we leader added.
The finding is part of devolved government “Let’s see what the elec- deliver health services, that “That is a hugely signifi-
a decade long study of Fin Northern Ireland tion result is, but in all cir- we deliver education and we cant figure in terms of the
2,000 European teens, will start on December 16, cumstances every party deliver for people who are benefit that could be
and it suggests one or Secretary of State for needs to get back into serious fed up of that institution not accrued.
two joints is enough to Northern Ireland Julian discussions that week before being up and running. “And that growth would
damage an adolescent’s Smith has said. Christmas.” “I am confident with the be released in a united
brain. C Smith added that, unless Speaking at the Northern best will, with a Christmas Ireland.
agreement is reached by Ireland Conservatives’ elec- spirit, these parties can get “It would quickly wipe
It has emerged that January 13, fresh Assembly tion manifesto launch at the this done.” out the subvention and
3,000 gardaí still need elections will be triggered. Culloden Hotel in Co Down He added that there is “no increase living standards
across the island but partic-
training in how to drive “This one (deadline) is on Wednesday, Mr Smith appetite” at Westminster for ularly here in the north
a patrol car. real, January 13 the law acknowledged there are a further legislation to extend where our standards are
The Policing changes and an election has number of issues to deal the deadline to revive lower.” C
Authority has heard to be called in the absence of with. Stormont which has been col-
But he said he does not
lapsed for almost three years,
new legislation,” he said.
342 of those members “Each party had made a believe the outstanding since January 2017. A TD is calling for mobile
need basic competency commitment to getting back issues, including a demand “The Prime Minister has networks to block under 18s
driver training. into talks and I think that will for an Irish language act and been right behind these talks from accessing pornogra-
The issue was raised happen whatever the situa- calls to reform the petition of all along and will make a big phy on their phones.
four years ago by the tion the week after the elec- concern, were “insurmount- push after this election,” he The laws are being pro-
authority which raised tion. able”. said. posed in the wake of the
concerns over “serious “We can’t let this run and DUP leader Arlene Foster On Tuesday, Ulster Ana Kriegel murder trial.
organizational risks” if run, we have got to get this and Sinn Féin vice president Unionist leader Steve Aiken Fianna Fáil’s Children
members were not fully sorted. Michelle O’Neill indicated told Mr Smith in a meeting at spokesperson Anne
trained to respond to “The number of issues is willingness over the weekend Stormont House to “act Rabbitte is bringing forward
“blue light” situations. relatively small. to resume negotiations after now” over the region’s “cri- a bill in the Dáil that would
require people with pre-pay
Assistant Garda “There is a deal ready to next month’s UK General sis-hit” health system and
Commissioner for go, my colleague (Irish Election. appoint a direct rule health phones to prove their age.
“It is on the back of every-
Roads Policing, Dave deputy premier) Simon “I think we are close to minister to be installed thing we have experienced
Sheahan, said they are Coveney has been meeting getting into position where immediately. in Ireland over the last 18
recruiting more train- with Sinn Fein and others this we can get Stormont back up Mr Smyth ruled that out. months and very high profile
week.
and running,” Mr Smith said.
“I don’t think taking pow-
ers to address the “I have been continuing to “These issues are impor- ers back to London is the best court cases,” said Deputy
backlog. C Rabbitte. C
meet with the parties in tant but what is really impor- way to proceed,” he said. C
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