Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 13 and 14 together.

The figures for direct drugs-related deaths are extracted from the general mortality register, which is compiled by the CSO. The latest year for which figures are available is 2004, when nine deaths were attributed to cocaine use. As it is considered that these figures do not give a full picture of the number of deaths linked to drug use, it has been decided to establish a national drugs-related deaths index, in line with action 67 of the national drugs strategy. The Health Research Board is currently working on the development of this index and it is hoped that the first figures will be available before the end of 2008.

When people mix cocaine and alcohol, they compound the danger that each drug poses as the human liver combines the two and manufactures this substance. As one might expect, data from the national drug treatment reporting system indicate that cocaine and alcohol are being used together. While the combination of the two drugs intensifies euphoric effects, the substance in question is more toxic than either on its own and can cause more serious physical harm, particularly to the cardiovascular system, as well as having the potential to increase the risk of sudden death.

With respect to what is perceived as recreational drug use and its relationship with criminal activity, I agree with the Deputy that there is an evident public disconnect. This problem arises in part from the fact that many cocaine users do not see themselves as having a drugs problem, with the physical, mental, social and financial risks involved. Against this background, they do not perceive themselves as contributing to the overall illicit drugs market, with all the criminality involved, criminality that can be disproportionately felt in disadvantaged areas. Since my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, I have spoken quite often on this theme and I am heartened by the recent public comments of others in this regard, most notably by the President last weekend.

I am pursuing the implementation of the recommendations of the national advisory committee report, entitled An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland, mainly through the inter-departmental group on drugs, which I chair. Furthermore, my Department has funded four pilot cocaine projects and a training initiative for front line personnel to deal with cocaine issues. 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 and cocaine use has also been provided under that fund. My Department also sponsored a highly successful conference last June, organised by the SAOL project and the national drugs strategy team on the response to cocaine through shared good practice. A very useful resource pack for workers in the field was launched at that event.

It strikes me that the issues raised by all three Deputies can be considered in the deliberations on a new national drug awareness campaign. This campaign is being led by the HSE and my Department is represented on the associated campaign advisory group.

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