DATE-RAPE DRUG SEIZED AT `RAVE' PARTY

Fine Gael deputy Enda Kenny has demanded from RTE a clarification of what
association, if any, it or its presenters have with "rave" parties held
throughout the country after a date-rape drug was seized in Castlebar.

Deputy Kenny said he was concerned that 22 drug-related arrests were made at
a "rave" in Castlebar on New Year's Eve, a promotion broadcast live on 2FM.

In a major swoop, gardai, as part of Operation Cleanstreet, made 22 seizures
of suspected illegal substances, mostly ecstasy and cannabis resin but there
was one seizure of what is believed to be the notorious date-rape drug,
Rohnypol.

Files have been sent to the DPP.

The presence of so many drug dealers in the area for the event was described
afterwards by Supt Joe Staunton as "sinister."

Deputy Kenny said yesterday: "I understand that 2FM promote their dance
shows after having contracts with a national promoter of the shows who sells
them to various premises.

"The next such show is being promoted for The Pod in Dublin. These dance
shows are known wrongly as 'rave' functions which are illegal gatherings of
100 or more people where particular music is played and where there is no
control on the conduct or running of the function.

"Because of their being misinterpreted as 'rave' functions these
RTE-promoted dance shows become a focus of drug pushing and as dispensing
centres for ecstasy tablets.

"It has been estimated that at any gathering of 500 young people more than
400 could have access to or the use of e-tablets. This is truly a
frightening statistic given their lethal consequences in some cases. It
means that the e phenomenon has infiltrated every town and village in
Ireland.

"I have asked the Director General of RTE, Bob Collins, to confirm that in
future RTE in promoting their dance shows will clearly specify that these
are not illegal 'rave' parties and that RTE and its presenters totally
oppose drug taking or drug involvement in every way."

He said he intends to raise the matter in the Dail when the House resumes
after the holiday recess and to discuss possible options with young people,
RTE, the Garda and venue providers.

A RTE spokesperson said that while 2FM often broadcast from disco events
around the country they did not organise them. "What happens outside of our
involvement is beyond our control," she said.