(Limerick East): The Health Research Board compiles comprehensive details on an annual basis on the persons being treated for drug misuse in the Dublin area. The latest report, for the years 1992 and 1993, indicated that 2,240 persons in 1992 and 2,573 persons in 1993 received treatment for drug misuse. It is accepted, however, that the actual incidence of drug misuse is much higher.
Before any survey along the lines mentioned by the Deputy could be conducted, it would be necessary to define in detail what the parameters of the study should be to ensure that results are valid and reliable. It is also necessary to ensure that they are compatible with the requirements of international bodies to which Ireland supplies data.
At present the parameters for measurement of drug misuse are being developed by the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction and by the Pompidou Group. My Department is represented on both of these groups and the Health Research Board is also liaising with them.
The need for a survey has long been recognised but it has been postponed pending the development of agreed parameters by the international groups mentioned. The indications at present are that these agreed parameters will be available by the end of the year and it is my intention to initiate a study immediately after that.