Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I congratulate Deputy Curran and wish him well on his appointment. He has a very challenging time ahead given what we heard from the report of the national advisory committee yesterday. The percentage of people in the west of Ireland using drugs has increased from 12.5% in 2002 and 2003 to 23%. On the east coast 38% of people are using drugs. The most staggering results that emerged yesterday is that 50% of young people in Ireland admitted to taking drugs compared with 40% of young people in America. We have a more serious problem than America. Did we ever think we would see the day?

When will the draft strategy begin in earnest and when will it be in place? Seven locations in the midlands have no drug treatment services. What will be done to address that gap? What does the Department propose to do about the Health Service Executive's cutbacks? Will the Department have discussions with the Department of Health and Children? What services will be provided between now and the end of the year to deal with the current crisis in drug taking?

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