Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that I am in ongoing contact with all those involved in disrupting the use of illegal drugs, not just the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The available figures come from the joint national advisory committee on drugs and the drug and alcohol information and research unit, Northern Ireland, drug prevalence survey. This study surveyed 8,442 people aged 15 to 64 in Ireland and Northern Ireland between October 2002 and April 2003.

The survey showed that the use of crack cocaine was very low at that time: 0.3% reported lifetime use, 0.1% reported use in the past 12 months and there were no positive respondents concerning last month use. It is intended that a second comprehensive drug prevalence study will be carried out from late 2006 to mid-2007. Preliminary analysis will be done in the months following that, with a first report of national prevalence figures and trends expected late in 2007.

I am confident that through the implementation of the actions in the national drugs strategy and the projects and initiatives operated through the local and regional drugs task forces, the problem of crack cocaine use can be addressed. Each of the drugs task forces has in place an action plan to tackle drug use in its area based on its own identified priorities. They continue to have ongoing contact with their local communities.

These projects deal with supply reduction, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for a range of drugs, including crack cocaine. Most drug users engage in poly-drug use and, therefore, projects generally aim to address this pattern of usage rather than concentrating on one drug to the exclusion of others.

Over the past year or so, I have visited a number of drugs task force areas and discussed with community representatives and others the nature of the drug problem in their regions. I have also met senior members of the Garda Síochána who are involved in the drugs area. My meetings and discussions indicate that crack cocaine is not being used extensively in Ireland but is confined to small areas of the population.

Garda figures show that most of the recorded seizures of crack cocaine, particularly in the past two years, have been in the north central division of the Dublin metropolitan region. Garda drug units and community policing personnel are targeting this problem with a view to addressing it and stopping the spread of crack cocaine to a wider area.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

I fully accept that a potential danger exists that the use of crack cocaine could spread rapidly. Crack cocaine is a most damaging drug. Its use can cause fatalities in young, otherwise healthy people as a result of strokes, heart attacks and clots and damage to the heart muscle or lungs. It is also a highly addictive drug. Moreover, the Garda Síochána has informed me that the aggression associated with crack cocaine use could result in a rise in street crime and anti-social behaviour.

The potential damage of widespread crack cocaine use is startling. However, I assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor the situation. In addition, I will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to address increased threats, should they arise.

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