Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Mar 1988

Vol. 379 No. 1

Written Answers. - Drugs and Solvent Abuse.

38.

Mr. McCartan

asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of deaths of young people in recent months apparently due to solvent abuse; if he intends to take any measures to deal with this problem; if he has any plans for controls on the sale or distribution of these products; if any consideration has been given to an education campaign to alert young people and parents to the dangers of these substances; if he will outline the progress, if any which has been made generally in dealing with the drugs problem in the Dublin area; if any further legislative or other measures are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

167.

Mr. Gregory

asked the Minister for Health his views on the four recent deaths of young people involving aerosols; if there is any action he can consider to deal with this growing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

168.

Mr. S. Barrett

asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the recent incidents of fatalities apparently resulting from glue sniffing and the danger, especially to young people, resulting from the easy availability of this substance, he has any plans to deal with this problem, by process of public enlightenment, education or other means; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 167 and 168 together. I am aware of the recent newspaper reports on solventrelated deaths and the very natural concern which they have raised. I believe that the best protection against these tragedies and against the underlying problem is a widespread public awareness of the dangers of mis-using solvents.

Information on solvent-misuse has for some time been included in a campaign to promote greater understanding among parents, their children and professionals who work with children of the dangers of drug abuse. The need for a renewed emphasis on this will be kept under review by the new Health Promotion Unit which I have established in my Department.

The extent to which education should be reinforced by legislation has been carefully considered in my Department. A final decision will be taken by the Government in the very near future in the context of proposals which I have for reforming the law on the care and protection of children.

As regards other measures to combat the wider problem of drug addiction in the Dublin area, I would refer to the reply I gave on this issue to Deputy Mac Giolla on 1 December 1987.