Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I am sure the Minister will agree with me that the numbers involved represent a sad loss and a waste of young life. When we consider that 2,442 people have died from drug abuse in that period, it puts a huge emphasis on what must be done to ensure that this issue is brought to public notice.

I would like to know from the Minister the geographical spread in terms of these deaths. Are they occurring, as some would assume, mostly on the east coast or is there an equal spread in terms of these deaths throughout the country? We have continuously said in the House that we want to highlight the stark reality of what drug misuse does to young people. I understand that most of the deaths are of young men. Can the Minister of State indicate if any research has been done on that? Why is it the case that it is mostly men who are affected?

Also, what is the mix in terms of alcohol and the use of drugs? I recall asking the Minister's predecessor a question on cocaethylene, where a mixture of cocaine and alcohol creates a different drug. What research has been done on this? It causes heart problems. What is the situation regarding its effect on young people? The main issue is the geographical spread of the problem. What are we doing to highlight the fact that 2,442 young people die as a result of drug misuse in a seven year period?

See this speech in context