The Deputy's question is timely given that the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, for which my Department has responsibility published the results of a national population survey of drug use yesterday, 20 October. This is the first occasion that a comprehensive survey has been carried out on an all-island basis on the extent of drug misuse.
On cocaine, the survey shows that 3.1% of the population have used the drug at some time; 1.1% used it in the past 12 months; and, 0.3% used it in the past month. Compared with similar surveys undertaken in other European countries, these figures suggest that Ireland is roughly average in terms of use.
While anecdotal evidence would suggest that cocaine use has increased, the Deputy should be aware that the numbers presenting for treatment are still very low and, in total, make up approximately 1% of those in treatment. Similarly, cocaine-related offences remain relatively small compared to other drugs and account for approximately 3% of all such offences.
In the circumstances, I do not consider that additional guidelines are required at this time. I am confident that through the implementation of the 100 actions in the national drugs strategy 2001-08 and through projects and initiatives operated through the local drugs task forces and the young peoples facilities and services fund, the problem of cocaine use can be addressed.
Each of the local drugs task forces has in place an action plan to tackle drug use in its area based on its own identified priorities. About €130 million has been spent locally. Regional drugs task forces are also being established in each health board area and many of these are now up and running. As a first step in the process of developing action plans the task forces are currently mapping out the patterns of drug misuse in their areas and the level and range of existing services. Where cocaine use is found to be a problem, this can be reflected in the measures proposed in the action plans.