Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of the recent report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which suggested that Ireland is experiencing a higher rate of increase in cocaine use than other developed countries. I must stress, however, that it is the rate of increase that was being assessed in the report, not the actual level of cocaine usage. Furthermore, it should be borne in mind that our rate of increase is coming from a very low base and, within developed countries, we are considered a mid-ranking country in terms of cocaine usage. Major European countries such as Great Britain and Spain are continuing to experience higher rates of usage.

The report uses indirect indicators such as numbers presenting for treatment, arrest numbers and levels of seizures to measure cocaine usage. However, it is only when the second national drug prevalence survey is completed, the first reports from which are expected later this year, that we will have an up-to-date picture of the prevalence of cocaine use in our society. It is worth noting that the main author of the report, Mr. Thomas Pietschmann, attributed the result in part to "honest reporting" by the Irish Government. He further commented that it is normal for countries that are performing well economically to be targeted for cocaine sales.

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs and the national drugs strategy team prepared a joint briefing paper on cocaine based on existing data in Ireland. The paper, An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland, which was published earlier this year, concluded that data sources indicated an upward trend in cocaine use, again albeit from a low base. The paper also highlighted the extremely high risks associated with cocaine and the physical and mental health problems that arise from its use.

Cocaine is particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol and other substances and these messages on the real dangers associated with its use need to be highlighted. The social and economic harm also needs to be stressed, not only to the users of cocaine, but also to their families and to communities that bear the brunt of the behaviour and criminal activity associated with the supply and use of cocaine. I have repeatedly stressed the dangers associated with so-called recreational or weekend cocaine use and the glamorising of cocaine in some quarters.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

A number of recommendations are made in the paper, principally in regard to treatment, but also covering supply, prevention and research. A key conclusion of the report is that treatment, primarily in the form of counselling, can and does work and, in this context, the provision of cocaine-specific clinics in a small number of areas where cocaine problems are more acute is being pursued. However, in the broader context, I am of the view that we should work towards having drug services that can cater for individual problem drug users, regardless of the drugs they use and this is also being addressed.

Another key recommendation relates to the training of frontline personnel to deal with cocaine issues. In this regard, a training initiative has already been funded by my Department, as well as four pilot cocaine treatment projects to examine different methods of treatment for cocaine use. Meanwhile, the HSE has initiated the roll-out of further training for both its own staff and those in the community and voluntary sectors who are dealing with the issue.

Under the emerging needs fund, six cocaine specific projects in local drugs task force areas have been funded and support for a further nine projects aimed at polydrug-cocaine use has also been provided under that fund. My Department also sponsored a highly successful conference in June last organised by the SAOL project and the NDST on the response to cocaine through shared good practice. A very useful resource pack for workers in the field was launched at that event. Progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the briefing paper is being closely monitored by the interdepartmental group on drugs, which I chair. In addition, the HSE is addressing the issue in a determined way and the NDST, along with the drug task forces, will continue to review the needs in communities.

The challenges posed by cocaine use are significant, but I am confident that we can meet these challenges through a co-ordinated approach utilising the structures of the national drugs strategy.

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