Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cocaine Supply.

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

148 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the availability of crack cocaine in Dublin at present, the action that is being taken in this regard, the scale of the problem and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7152/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Overall, the three area health boards of the Eastern Regional Health Authority report that information from users and outreach staff indicates that crack cocaine does not appear to be a significant problem in the Dublin region at present. However, one area health board reports that its drugs service has noticed an increase in cocaine use over the last six months, particularly in the inner city area.

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, that a special operation is in place to investigate the appearance of crack cocaine and a particular group is being targeted in this regard. He has also informed me that he has been assured by An Garda Síochána that there is no evidence to suggest a growing presence, or the widespread availability, of crack cocaine in Dublin or elsewhere in the country and that they continuously monitor and analyse the trends and patterns in illicit drug use based upon seizure data. They are well aware, from foreign experience, of the addictive and behaviour changing nature of crack cocaine and in this context, the incidence of cocaine base usage will be kept under review, with the utmost urgency being attached to investigations in this area.

The treatment of those addicted to cocaine is primarily through counselling. Additional counsellors and outreach workers have been recruited by the three area health boards in recent years. Addiction counsellors are given training in relation to specific areas of cocaine abuse which are problematic. General practitioners who treat drug users who are also abusing cocaine, have sufficient knowledge of the effects and implications of cocaine use.

Individuals presenting for treatment for cocaine abuse can attend any of the addiction centres, where they will receive an emergency assessment from which the most appropriate response can be determined. This response invariably involves linking in with a counsellor, to examine the issues around cocaine use and may also involve the provision of support to family members.

The Northern Area Health Board, which has responsibility for the north inner city area, is providing extra counselling to clients who have cocaine problems. The board is also increasing outreach services in this area. In addition, it is reviewing its initiatives and will increase treatment provision if necessary.

The health boards also monitor the emergence of new substances, through informal contact with drug users, formal links between outreach workers and users groups and by examining statistical data which is collected on an ongoing basis by the national drug treatment reporting system.