asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the latest report of the co-ordinating committee set up by his Department to review the position regarding drug abuse in Ireland.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Abuse.
35.
asked the Minister for Health if any submissions have been made to his Department regarding plans to curb drug abuse; and, if so, if he will state the action that is being taken on them.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
The most comprehensive submissions on measures to deal with the problem were those contained in the report of the Working Party on Drug Abuse, submitted to the Minister and published in 1971. A summary of the recommendations is contained in pages 55 to 58 of the report. These have been fully considered in my Department and many of the measures have already been implemented. Others will fall to be considered in conjunction with a Misuse of Drugs Bill on which I intend to consult the Government as soon as possible.
Last year the Co-ordinating Committee on Drug Abuse was established, comprising representatives of relevant Government Departments and other bodies, to ensure that there is a full exchange of information regarding drug abuse and on the various measures being taken. The committee also ensure that, where necessary, effective action is taken as speedily as possible to deal with matters arising in relation to the problem.
The committee do not issue reports as such but in discharging their functions as a co-ordinating and liaison body and in considering appropriate recommendations, they take full account of the latest position as reported by the representatives of the various Government Departments and other bodies present at the meetings of the committee, which are held regularly. In the intervals between meetings the committee's chairman maintains contact with the Departments and bodies concerned to ensure that there is adequate follow-up of matters calling for attention.
As regards education on drug abuse, a special committee is examining the general question of communicating information on drugs to young persons, to provide guidance for school authorities and to indicate where research is needed. The committee expect to furnish their report later this year.
In the meantime my Department, in co-operation with a number of other bodies, have been holding a series of seminars on drug abuse for school teachers, clergy, doctors and nurses. In addition, special lectures have been provided for adult and parent groups. These were recommended by the Working Party on Drug Abuse. Furthermore, a residential course was held earlier this month for a selected group of teachers.
Apart from recommendations arising out of the work of the bodies mentioned above suggestions have been received in my Department from time to time from bodies and individuals regarding drug abuse. These receive full consideration and, where appropriate, action is taken as speedily as possible on the suggestions.
How often have the Committee on Drug Abuse met since their formation?
The last meeting took place on 11th May, 1973.
How often do they meet?
Every two months.
Are representatives of the original committee set up to study the problem of drug abuse on that committee?
As far as I know anybody interested would be asked to give their views.
They are not on the committee?
They are not on the committee at the moment.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary give me details of who is on the committee?
Certainly.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary have any figures to indicate whether the number of people taking drugs is on the increase or to what extent the problem is worsening?
Our information in the Department is that it is not on the increase. Unfortunately, it is just holding static.