John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

We do not view cocaine in isolation as it is associated with polydrug use with the result that people do not tend to have only a cocaine problem. The way to address the problem is through the national drug strategy, which has a number of key elements, including tackling the supply side, an issue to which the Deputy alluded. Another key element is prevention, education and awareness and our efforts in this area will continue.

It is interesting to note that while the report we are discussing indicated that cocaine use has increased in the age profile, this phenomenon is visible in most developed countries as they become affluent.

It was also very telling and worthwhile to note that those who had tried and used cocaine had given it up. That figure had also increased. The evidence for this is that they had given it up for health reasons. From that viewpoint, the campaigns in terms of education and awareness are working because people who are experimenting tend to stop using the drug.

It is important when looking at the prevalence figures not to over-concentrate on the life-time use because that includes anyone who might have used the drug once, but rather on the shorter period, such as usage in the last month or last year. Where those figures are smaller around the country, it is acknowledged that those who have used it have reduced significantly and are giving up the drug. The main reason for this is health issues and that would indicate that some of the programmes, policies, education and awareness campaigns are beginning to take effect, as indicated when the 2002-03 survey is compared to that for 2006-07.

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