Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The national drugs strategy, which runs until the end of 2008, is achieving considerable success across a range of different areas. The main finding of the mid-term review of the strategy, published in 2005, was that its current aims and objectives are fundamentally sound and that progress is being made in all pillars through which it operates.

It is difficult to determine if a significant increase nationally in drugs misuse has occurred. The most recent comprehensive figures for drugs misuse come from the all-island drug prevalence survey in 2002 and 2003. Fieldwork for a second survey is in progress and will be completed in April, with first reports becoming available in the autumn.

While the most recent data on heroin use comes from a study published by the national advisory committee on drugs in 2004, a similar study will be commissioned in 2007. When completed, this research will give a clearer view of the prevalence and changing nature of drugs misuse. At my request, the NACD and the national drug strategy team, NDST, recently prepared a joint briefing paper on cocaine, based on existing data in Ireland. The paper, which is to be published next week, concluded that all data sources indicated an upward trend in cocaine use. Several recommendations are made in the paper, principally in regard to treatment, but also covering supply, prevention and research, and those are being followed up with the relevant Departments and agencies.

With regard to the resources available, I am delighted to have secured a 16% increase in my Department's funding to tackle drug misuse in 2007, especially as it follows very significant increases in the previous two years. The allocation of €50 million shows an increase of 87% on the corresponding figure for 2004. The significantly increased figure illustrates the importance that the Government places on tackling the drugs problem across the country.

This year, substantial progress is expected by the regional drugs task forces in implementing their action plans. Meanwhile, through the emerging needs fund, the local drugs task forces will be able to address the most pressing issues arising in the evolving drugs situation in their areas. In addition, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, announced an increase of €6 million as part of this year's budget to address the health-related aspects of the national drugs strategy. The overall Government allocation across several Departments to tackle the drugs problem in 2007 will be well in excess of €200 million.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

There have been encouraging signs of progress in recent years in the areas of drug seizures, the expansion and success of treatment services, the development of prevention programmes in schools, the expanding and ongoing work of local and regional drug task forces, and the valuable work being done through the young people's facilities and services fund.

I assure the Deputy that through the structures and actions set out in the national drugs strategy, the Government will continue to tackle the problem.

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