Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2007
121 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to initiate adequate qualitative research into the extent of illegal drug use and the reasons people are taking up the illegal drug habit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7695/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is probably aware, research is one of the five pillars of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. The key objectives under this pillar are to have valid, timely and comparable data available on the extent of drug misuse amongst the population. In this context, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) was established in 2000 to advise Government in relation to prevalence, prevention, treatment and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland, based on its analysis of research findings and information available to it.
In relation to prevalence of drug use, the NACD, in conjunction with the Drug and Alcohol Information and Research Unit in Northern Ireland, published a series of bulletins based on results from an all-island Drug Prevalence Survey 2002/2003. This study found that almost one in five (19%) of respondents on the island of Ireland reported ever taking an illegal drug. Cannabis was the most commonly used illegal drug. Lifetime prevalence rates for cannabis were 17% in Ireland and current rates of use were 2.6%. Aside from cannabis, the most common drugs ever used were ecstasy (5%), magic mushrooms, LSD and poppers (each 4%), amphetamines (3%), solvents, cocaine (each2%), heroin, (o.4%) and crack (0.3%).
The second all-island Drugs Prevalence Survey is currently in progress and it is expected that preliminary results will be available in the latter part of this year. This will give much greater clarity on the overall current prevalence of drugs in Ireland.
In relation to heroin use, the 3-Source Capture-Recapture Study published in 2004 by the NACD, estimated the number of people using heroin at 14,452 in 2001. When the Dublin figures were extracted from this study and compared with a previous study carried out in 1996 (which looked at Dublin only), the number of people using opiates in the capital was estimated to have declined by a approximately 1,000. The second Capture-Recapture Study will get under way this year.
In addition to these studies, the NACD's 2005-2008 work programme includes: the continuation of the Research Outcome Study in Ireland; a new study on drugs and crime; and work focusing on (i) prostitution and drugs and (ii) early school leavers and drugs. The recent results of the Research Outcome Study in Ireland (ROSIE) are particularly encouraging and provide clear evidence that the current treatment of heroin users is having very positive results.
Illegal drug use is a global issue and our efforts to tackle it in Ireland must be seen in that context. Through the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to tackling the problem into the future and I can assure the Deputy that our actions in that regard will continue to be backed up by quality research producing relevant information in an evolving situation.
