Vol. 399 No. 7
128 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has studied the recent report of the Catholic Social Service Council on substance abuse; and if he will make a statement on the suggested need for radical reform in the State's approach to drug abuse prevention and treatment.
I have studied the report of the Catholic Social Service Council relating to substance abuse in the Dublin Diocese and I am concerned there is available to the Department a data base which will give accurate information relating to the incidence of drug abuse. Such a system is currently being developed as part of the anti-drug strategy of my Department. The Health Research Board has just completed a scientifically-based pilot project aimed at establishing the incidence of drug abuse in the greater Dublin area, based on the first demand for treatment by drug abusers. This project established that a total of 336 persons attended for treatment for the first time during the month of August 1989.
It is my intention to expand the data base to provide accurate, annual data on drug abuse, and as far as is practicable, to assess the level of drug abuse among persons who do not present for treatment.
