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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Questions (617)

Niall Collins

Question:

617. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he has received a copy of a report (details supplied); if he is giving consideration to the findings of the research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55976/21]

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Written answers

The report commissioned by the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force highlights the problems relating to crack cocaine use in Tallaght.

The report finds that crack cocaine is a multi-dimensional problem that reflects the social determinants of drug use in disadvantaged communities, linked to unemployment, poverty and social exclusion. It is also an inter-generational issue, as some families and children are caught in a cycle of parental drug use, addiction, trauma and hidden harm.

The Department of Health will shortly announce funding of €1m to increase access to and the provision of community-based drug and alcohol services. This funding will support the work of drug and alcohol task forces. A proportion of this funding will be allocated to CHO 7 (which includes Tallaght and south west Dublin).

In Budget 2022, I secured an additional €6m for new measures to support the implementation of the national drugs strategy and strengthen the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, as set out in the Programme for Government.

This includes €0.5m to address high risk drug use, such as crack cocaine and other drugs, to expand harm reduction responses both in local communities and as a response to the use of stimulant drugs in the night-time economy. A further €0.5m is being provided for measures to improve access to community-based services for women and minority groups.

The cocaine harm reduction campaign is a collaboration between the HSE and the Ana Liffey Drugs Project. It is important to get the message out to the public about the risks associated with drugs like crack cocaine and highlight how these risks are hugely increased when combined with alcohol. Complementing this, the HSE raises awareness of the dangers associated with cocaine and crack cocaine through the Drugs.ie website

I believe that problem of drug use in Tallaght requires an inter-agency response, involving An Garda Síochána, the education and youth services, the HSE, local development agencies and community organisations. I am providing dedicated funding in 2022 to the HSE to expand harm reduction responses to high risk drug use, such as crack cocaine, at national level and in local communities. I would encourage the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to engage with the HSE on this initiative.

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