The report to which the Deputy has referred is the European monitoring centre's annual report for 1998 on the drugs problem in the European Union. The monitoring centre, funded by the European Commission with contributions from member states, is responsible for compiling data on drug misuse which is accurate, comparable and timely. The figures in the report relating to the use of cannabis and ecstasy are taken from a European school survey project on alcohol and other drugs (ESPAD), which was conducted in 1995. This report shows that Ireland has a high rate of drug misuse of cannabis and ecstasy and that figures for this country are on a par with the UK.
In relation to all drugs, but particularly cannabis and ecstasy the main defence is through education and prevention. Health boards and my Department's health promotion unit are engaged in a range of prevention initiatives in conjunction with voluntary and community groups, aimed at creating a greater awareness of the damage caused by drug misuse and letting people know where they can come for help and advice. My Department has also worked with the Department of Education and Science on the development of substance misuse prevention programmes for schools and just last month my colleague, Deputy Martin, Minister for Education and Science announced the launch of Walk Tall, resource materials for primary schools.
The health promotion unit provides a range of drug misuse resource materials free of charge on the topic of drug misuse to schools, and other agencies. It has also developed a drug education video, a youth support workpack and a community based drug awareness programme. Regional health boards, through their health promotion officers and drug co-ordinators are also involved in a variety of drug prevention and awareness activities.
The prevention of drug misuse is a key priority, not just in my Department, but among the range of Departments and agencies involved in initiatives aimed at reducing the number of young people turning to drugs in the first instance.
