Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Drug Abuse.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

282 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the use of drugs in a town (details supplied) in County Meath; if he will allocate sufficient funds for the setting up of a drug care unit there; if he has received reports from the Garda Síochána on this matter; if he has also received reports from the medical profession in the county; the number of people who are perceived to be drug users in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20515/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy, in common with other major urban areas, has a number of drug users. The Garda have made 20 drugs seizures in the area to date in 2001, four of which were made in the context of section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977.

While all members of the Garda Síochána have a role to play in combating both the supply and demand for drugs, four members of the Garda Síochána are dedicated to crime-drug prevention and investigation in the area. In addition, community Garda and juvenile liaison officers concentrate on reducing the demand for drugs, particularly through contact with schools and youth groups.

The provision of drug treatment centres is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. However, my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, has advised me that he is informed by the North-Eastern Health Board, NEHB, that from 1997 to 2000 their figures show an increase of approximately 140 persons seeking drug treatment in the entire NEHB functional area. It is suggested that this increase is due to a decrease in those accessing treatment in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area and a much improved service in the north-east. The following table outlines treatment trends for NEHB clients.

Year	Treated in the NEHB area	Treated outsidethe NEHB area
1998	71	59
1999	123	32
2000	259	17

The Minister for Health and Children further informs me that the number of staff working in the area of drug misuse has increased considerably. The NEHB now provides an outreach service which aims to enhance the capacity of young people, parents and communities to respond to drug issues as well as a one-to-one service. It also provides a comprehensive counselling service and a methadone detoxification service. In addition it has developed linkages and entered into arrangements with treatment and research facilities.

In this context linkages have been made with, among others, community and voluntary groups, general practitioners, local authorities, FÁS and the VEC. The entire drugs programme is co-ordinated by a multi-agency group, formed in 1999, and will be strengthened by the establishment of a regional drugs task force in the area as recommended in the recently published national drug strategy.

The North-Eastern Health Board has advised the Minister for Health and Children that there are insufficient numbers to justify the establishment of a drug care unit at present, but that the development of drug services is constantly kept under review to take account of any emerging trends.

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 279.