Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.

Phil Hogan

Question:

97 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the studies which have been carried out by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs on drug misuse among at risk groups identified in the national drugs strategy, for example, Travellers, prostitutes, the homeless, early school leavers and others; the results of this research; the further outcome studies to be commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14479/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs is currently overseeing a three-year programme of research on the extent, nature, causes and consequences of drug use in Ireland. In this regard, a copy of the work programme for the information of the Deputy follows.

In relation to the specific projects referred to by the Deputy, the position is as follows:

HomelessThe NACD has been working with key groups from the addiction and homeless services, the health boards, the ERHA and the homeless agency to identify the key issues relating to drugs use and homelessness in Ireland and to advise on the scope and implementation of the research study to be commissioned. Following a competitive tendering process, the contract for the study was awarded to Merchants Quay Ireland in February 2003 and the final report is due before the end of 2003.

TravellersThe NACD has established a research steering group to assess the issues relating to drug misuse among the Traveller community. The NACD and the steering group, consisting of representative agencies from the Traveller community such as the Irish Traveller Movement, Pavee Point etc. and the traveller health unit within the Department of Health and Children, have been working in close collaboration over a number of months to develop a specific research methodology and research design for this study. Following the tendering process, a research organisation has been selected to conduct this study and the research is scheduled to commence in June and due to be completed by end of 2003.

Early School Leavers and Sex WorkersThe NACD has been liaising with agencies working with these groups to identify the key issues warranting examination. On the basis of this work, research proposals and appropriate research methodologies will be developed and a request for tender will be issued later this year.

Three Year Work Programme

Inventory of Research and Information:to compile a comprehensive inventory of existing research and information sets relating to the prevalence, prevention, treatment/rehabilitation and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland

Improved co-ordination of research and data collection:to open communication channels with key agencies to ensure that the NAC is kept informed of any new research being undertaken or new data being collected;

to establish a research network which will ensure better co-ordination and integration of research projects among relevant agencies and maximise resources in the context of the National Advisory Committee's programme of research;

Prevalenceto determine the size and nature of the drug problem in Ireland

to determine the extent and nature of opiate use, poly-drug use and patterns of problem drug use (experimental, occasional, regular non-medical use) particularly among young people under 25;

to identify emerging trends and geographical spreadto determine the extent and nature of problem use of prescription drugsto determine the prevalence of problem drug users not in contact with treatment services

Preventionto examine the effectiveness in terms of impact and outcomes of existing prevention models and programmes, with particular regard to evaluation instruments developed at European level

to undertake comparative studies of different models with particular reference to those in operation in Task Force areas

to determine transferability of models among different target groups