Misuse of Drugs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Questions (923)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

923. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent reports of the increasing use of crack cocaine in Dublin; his views on recent claims that the HSE is ill-equipped to deal with the abuse of a drug (details supplied); his further views on engaging with treatment providers to ensure that appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for this drug are developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34678/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My Department and the Health Service Executive have a range of mechanisms for sharing information about the drugs situation with An Garda Síochána, including the Early Warning Emerging Trends Sub-Committee (EWET) of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol and the HSE Public Alert System for adverse events due to drugs.

The EWET provides a forum for representatives from my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and other relevant experts to exchange information on emerging trends and patterns in drug use.

I understand that anecdotal reports of an increase in the use of crack cocaine and apparent paraphernalia being found have been raised by service providers attending the EWET. The authorities remain vigilant for the possibility of an increase in the use of crack cocaine in Ireland.