Seán Ryan
Question:54 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children his strategy for countering addiction among young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27161/99]
Vol. 512 No. 7
54 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children his strategy for countering addiction among young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27161/99]
My Department has been involved in specific initiatives aimed at preventing addiction among young people in the areas of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. It is, however, a matter for each health board to develop a local response to addiction problems in their own area; this includes the development of education and prevention strategies and, where appropriate, treatment services. My department has a role in co-ordinating and complementing these initiatives at a national level as well as implementing national campaigns and policy developments.
Regional drug co-ordinators have been appointed to co-ordinate a multi-agency approach to drug prevention on a local basis nationwide. In addition, the Eastern Health Board is in the process of appointing ten drug education officers to tackle the problems specific to that region.
Mass media drug, tobacco and alcohol misuse prevention campaigns are conducted frequently by the health promotion unit of my Department. To support these campaigns, educational and resource materials are provided by my Department, including videos, posters and leaflets, free of charge on request.
The health promotion unit of my Department has also been a partner in developing a number of preventative education initiatives aimed at providing a more holistic strategy for addiction prevention among young people. The aim of these programmes is to build the self-esteem and confidence of young people, enhance their decision-making skills, inform their attitudes and provide them with correct and accurate information.