Niall Collins
Ceist:25. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to address the prevalence of illegal drug use in Irish society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13423/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 April 2015
Ceisteanna (25)
Freagraí scríofa
Government's response to the problem of drug misuse in our society is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. The Oversight Forum on Drugs, which I chair, is responsible for the high-level monitoring of the Strategy, and solid progress is being made in delivering on its objectives.
The Strategy aims to create a safer society through the reduction of the supply and availability of drugs for illicit use. Drug seizures valued at approximately €62m were made by An Garda Síochána last year. This does not include a joint operation involving An Garda Síochána, Revenue Customs Service and the Naval Service which led to the interception of a yacht off Ireland's south-west coast in September 2014 containing cocaine with an estimated street value at that time of over €70m.
Prevention and awareness programmes constitute a significant part of the Government's response to the drug problem. In addition to substance-use education in schools, young people at risk of drug misuse can access diversionary programmes, facilities and services and family support.
The provision of appropriate and timely treatment services is a key goal of the Strategy. At the end of December, 97% of clients over the age of 18 accessed treatment within one calendar month of assessment, and 100% of those under 18 received treatment within one week of assessment. There is much wider coverage of needle exchange services outside the Dublin area, with more than 130 community pharmacies recruited and trained. In a major effort to reduce drug-related deaths, the HSE is undertaking a pilot project to make the life-saving drug naloxone more widely available to treat overdoses. Naloxone reverses the effects of drugs like heroin, morphine and methadone if someone overdoses.
The budget of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces has also been protected, with €29m provided for local drugs initiatives this year. An additional €2.1m has been provided in the HSE budget this year for measures targeting vulnerable problem drug users, including the provision of more residential detoxification and rehabilitation places.
My Department is beginning work on the development of a new Strategy for the period after 2016. The process will include a comprehensive consultation with key stakeholders and the public on the current national drugs policy and future priorities. It will also take account of evidence-based research, information and data sources on the extent and nature of problem drug use in Ireland. As Minister with lead responsibility for drugs policy, I will play an active role in the development of the new Strategy and I look forward to engaging with all interested parties in this work.