asked the Minister for Health the latest steps being taken by his Department to combat the increasing use of drugs by teenagers; if attention is also being paid to drug abuse by adults; and if he will make a statement on this matter in view of increasing public concern.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Abuse.
27.
In relation to the general problem of drug abuse by young persons a co-ordinating committee was established last year comprising representatives of relevant Government Departments and other bodies to ensure that there is a full exchange of information on the various measures being taken and that, where necessary, effective action is taken as speedily as possible to deal with matters arising in relation to this problem. The committee meets at regular intervals and in the intervening periods my Department is in contact with the bodies concerned as frequently as the situation demands. The activities of the committee enable effective surveillance of the drug scene as a whole to be maintained and ensure that the arrangements for safe custody of drugs, the prevention of the use of forged prescriptions and other such measures designed to prevent an increase in drug abuse receive adequate attention.
On the educational side a special committee is examining the general question of communicating information on drugs to young persons, to provide guidance for school authorities and to indicate where research is needed. I understand that the committee has made considerable progress and expect to be able to furnish its report later this year.
In the meantime my Department in co-operation with a number of other bodies has been holding a series of seminars on drug abuse for school teachers, clergy, doctors and nurses. In addition, special lectures have been provided for adult and parent groups.
The abuse of drugs by adults is specially stressed at these lectures and seminars.
While the general psychiatric outpatient and in-patient services are available for the treatment of drug abusers, special supplementary measures have been taken in Dublin where the problem is more acute. Currently a detoxification unit is being planned at Jervis Street Hospital and the provision of additional specialised accommodation is also under active consideration.
As far as legislation is concerned, I have already explained in reply to questions by Deputy Noel Lemass that I intend to consult the Government as soon as possible on the question of a Misuse of Drugs Bill.
I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for his extensive answer but would he not agree, from his own knowledge, that the problem of drug abuse is on the increase and daily becoming much more serious and would he not consider that some very radical means should be used to try to track down not just the source of those drugs but why the problem is increasing daily?
As I indicated, a special educational committee has been set up to examine the problem particularly in relation to young persons and it is expected that this committee will be in a position to report later this year. I also indicated that considerable efforts were being made to inform responsible persons such as teachers, clergy et cetera who come into contact with young persons of the extent of the problem. I think that the Deputy can be assured that it is being kept under constant surveillance.
28.
asked the Minister for Health if liaison between the medical profession and the various health boards will be encouraged to ensure that people using drugs are not attending more than one doctor in order to obtain prescriptions; and if attention is being given to this possibility.
I am very conscious that drugs of abuse could be obtained in this way and, I may add, so is the medical profession as a whole. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this method of obtaining supplies is of any consequence at present. If circumstances change, I will certainly examine the position but, in the meantime, I think our attention should be concentrated upon sealing off other sources of supply.
My information is that this is a very likely source of drugs to a number of people. Would the Parliamentary Secretary have the Department examine this matter by notifying doctors, if necessary, and ascertain if there is some way of finding out, when prescriptions for drugs are being written, whether the same person is not getting the same drugs prescribed by two or three doctors? I understand that this is actually happening.
I can only say that there is no evidence at hand that this source of supply is being availed of to any great extent. I can assure the Deputy that all aspects regarding the abuse of drugs, including the one which he has mentioned, are kept under review.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that cigarettes are being used to teach people to take drugs? Drugs are injected into cigarettes. People should know that cigarettes are being used in this fashion by those who want to get others into the habit of taking drugs. The injection of drugs into cigarettes is one way of ensuring that people get into the habit of using drugs.