Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 7

Written Answers. - Drug Misuse Prevention Strategy.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

90 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his policy in relation to the curbing and monitoring of drug abuse; if he approves of the idea of a needle exchange for drug abusers; if so, if he will elaborate his reasons; if his attention has been drawn to reports that the Eastern Health Board have commenced, or are about to commence, a needle exchange for drug abusers at a health centre (details supplied) in County Dublin which is causing serious concern to local residents on the basis that this will draw into the area an influx of drug abusers which gives rise to the fear of an upsurge in social and crime problems in the area; if, in view of these fears, he will suggest that any needle exchange of this kind should be based in the spare rooms of hospitals where more thorough security and medical supervision can be supplied and where less intrusion into the local community is likely, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The policy with regard to the curbing and monitoring of drug abuse is contained in the Government strategy to prevent drug misuse which was published in May 1991. The National Co-ordinating Committee on Drug Abuse, under the chairmanship of Deputy Flood, Minister of State at the Department of Health, is concerned with the implementation of the various recommendations contained in the strategy which cover a number of Government Departments, notably Justice, Education, the Revenue Commissioners (Customs and Excise) and Foreign Affairs.

The committee will be making an informal interim report to the Government shortly.

With regard to the question of needle exchange for drug abusers, this preventive approach has proved successful in a number of European centres, particularly in reducing the risk of spreading HIV infection. It is one component of an overall strategy to reduce chaotic drug misuse and the spread of infection in high risk groups.

With regard to the specific service referred to by the Deputy, which has been in operation since last November, I understand from the Eastern Health Board that it is being provided for local drug misusers only and is provided in conjunction with counselling and support services. The health board intend to extend this type of out-reach service to a number of locations around the city and will, in this context, bear in mind the range of health facilities which might be used for such purposes.

In the meantime the board are monitoring the specific service referred to by the Deputy. They are in touch with local staff and local representatives and will continue to bear in mind any concerns raised.