Vol. 547 No. 2
140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the degree to which he and his Department have monitored the growth of drugs abuse and drug dealing in the various regions; his plans to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3085/02]
Data from the Garda Síochána annual reports relating to drug possession offences and seizures are but one indicator of the misuse of drugs. Socio-demographic information and demands for treatment by drug users are also regarded as key indicators to provide valid, comparable and objective information. The national advisory committee on drugs was established by the Government to provide a focused and integrated approach in the collection and assimilation of data. The committee is overseeing the delivery of a three year research programme aimed at addressing the priority information gaps in the area of drug misuse.
The Government has also agreed, for the period 2001-08, that the national drugs strategy will respond to the drugs problem by setting out an integrated series of short, medium and long-term actions. Central to the strategy approach has been the bringing together of key agencies, both statutory and community-voluntary, in a planned and co-ordinated manner. The objectives and actions set out in the strategy involve a range of specific commitments from the various Departments and agencies involved in delivering on drugs policy, not just in relation to the supply of drugs but also in providing treatment and rehabilitation, as well as developing appropriate preventative strategies.
