Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2021
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the way he plans to deal with the serious escalation of drug abuse in the capital and all other cities, towns and communities throughout the country; if an awareness campaign is required to highlight the dangers in this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57919/21]
View answerGovernment policy in relation to drug and alcohol addiction services is set out in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery-a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025.
Earlier this year the Health Research Board published the National Drug and Alcohol Survey 2019/20, which is funded by the Department of Health and managed by the Health Research Board. The survey provides information on alcohol, tobacco, and drug use amongst the general population in Ireland.
The survey findings show that, overall, the use of illegal drugs has remained at a similar level to that recorded in the 2014/15 survey, while an increase was seen in the use of cocaine and ecstasy. Cannabis, while being the most prevalent illegal drug in Ireland, has also shown a decrease from 6.5% to 5.9% when compared to the 2014/15 survey. A significant decrease in the instances of Cannabis Use Disorder has also been recorded.
Our national drug strategy recognises the need to strengthen early harm reduction responses to current and emerging trends and patterns of drug use. The recently completed mid-term review of the strategy shows significant progress in implementing the action plan for the period 2017 to 2020, with only a small number of the 50 actions outstanding. Access and availability of drug services have been improved, particularly services for women, people who are homeless, and those with heroin addiction. A new clinical programme for dual diagnosis has been developed and the Government is championing an alternative health-led approach for the possession of drugs for personal use.
As part of the mid-term review six strategic priorities have been identified for the remaining years of the strategy until 2025. These will strengthen the health-led approach to drug use, as agreed in the Programme for Government, and align with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan.
These priorities will protect children and young people from drug use and the associated harms and enhance community care for people who use drugs by providing health and social care services at the community level to meet identified health needs.
To support the implementation of the strategic priorities, I provided additional funding of €6m for new health measures in Budget 2022.
