Regarding Deputy McManus's query, we are considering drugs such as Naltrexone. There has been positive feedback in countries such as Portugal and Spain where young addicts have received it. The family is included in the treatment process. A family member gives the Naltrexone in the morning and if the young person does not take it, alarm bells immediately begin to ring. Naltrexone is an inhibitor, which means that if a person takes heroin or any other drug, it will have no effect. We are considering international best practice, but one of the disappointing aspects is that very few answers are available on the international scene with regard to tackling the problem. There are no wonder drugs, although Naltrexone appears to have had positive results internationally.
Regarding Deputy Higgins's point, the national advisory committee on drugs was established to address the problem he mentioned in relation to accuracy of information about what is happening on the ground. The community and voluntary sec- tor demanded such a body for many years. It is up and running and has held its first meeting. It will be a welcome addition in the fight against drugs. It will be in a position to get good and accurate information. It has a good budget and it appears happy to deal with the challenge it has been given.
Many of the local drugs task forces have already submitted plans for outreach workers. Such workers are operational on the ground. There is a need to get out there and talk to young people in the community who are not presenting for treatment to ensure they do not develop serious drug problems. There is a need to develop relationships with them. A recent report, Choosers or Losers, was carried out by Paula Mayock in an inner city community. She spent a year working on the report and the information she got because young people trusted and responded to her was enormously helpful. She got much good information on young people's attitudes to drugs. I agree with the Deputy that outreach workers are a most important element.