Jonathan O'Brien
Question:357 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will commission a review of the effectiveness of current drug policy. [38400/11]
View answerTuesday, 6 December 2011
Questions (352)
Written answers
The National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 sets out Government policy in dealing with the drugs problem under five pillars of Supply Reduction, Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Research.
Significant progress has been made towards implementing the Actions of the Strategy and I intend to build on this progress. The Gardaí and Revenue's Customs Service have had considerable success in regard to drug seizures, and they continue to co-ordinate their efforts and to liaise effectively with the colleagues in other jurisdictions. Prevention measures are in place, focusing on those most at risk, as well as on the general population. In regard to treatment and rehabilitation, there have been major advances in the provision of needle exchange services, opiate substitution treatment and detox facilities and I continue to be particularly focused on ensuring that there is an increased emphasis on moving people on from drug treatment to a drug-free life where that is achievable. Meanwhile, the recently launched Drug Prevalence Survey 2010/2011 indicates that figures for drug use in the past year has remained stable since the previous survey in 2006/2007.
While steps are being taken towards the development of a National Substance Misuse Strategy, incorporating alcohol and drugs, I am satisfied that implementation of the current National Drugs Strategy is the appropriate approach towards dealing with the drugs problem and I am determined to achieve significant and sustained progress in that regard.