Deputies:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.

Deputies:

I am aware of recent reports on the national drug treatment reporting system data, published by the Health Research Board in January, that cover numbers in treatment for problem drug use in Ireland in 2008.

Deputies:

Heroin use remains a major problem in our country. All the indications are that, while the use of heroin is relatively stable in the Dublin region, it has become more widely dispersed around the country, particularly in the major cities and in towns across Leinster. Responding to this problem continues to be a priority under the National Drugs Strategy 2009-16.

Deputies:

I fully accept the view that the provision of treatment services is vital to address the needs of problem drug users. This is illustrated by the fact that we currently have 9,400 people in methadone treatment. New opiate substitution services have opened this year in Cork, Tralee and Wexford, and these will be followed shortly by facilities in Kilkenny, Waterford, Limerick, Dundalk and Drogheda. This is being done by the HSE with financial support from my Department. Further opiate substitution services in the midlands are being actively considered and expansions of needle exchange services, rehabilitation services and detoxification facilities are being implemented.

Deputies:

Meanwhile, I welcome the publication of the report to which Deputy Feighan refers which outlines the continued extensive work undertaken by Merchant's Quay Ireland in dealing with the drugs problem. The report indicates that 4,092 people availed of that organisation's needle exchange service in 2009. This represents a reduction on the 2008 figure of 4,657 and the 2007 figure of 4,705. Also, the number of new needle exchange clients at 642 showed a continued decline from 2007. Overall, it is encouraging that injecting opiate users are making the first steps to access treatment services as this will help to reduce the risks of the spread of blood borne viruses, improve the overall health of individuals and is likely to encourage some opiate users, at least, to engage further with treatment and rehabilitation services.

Deputies:

The National Drugs Strategy 2009-16 aims to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. I believe that the actions set out in the strategy facilitate a planned and monitored approach to achieving the overall strategic objective.

Deputies:

The progress made in addressing the issue of head shops and the psychoactive substances they sell is illustrative of what can be achieved with interdepartmental co-operation under the national drugs strategy. Following legislative changes implemented by the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, the number of head shops in operation has reduced from 102 to 11 at the latest count. Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána and Revenue's Customs Service continue to prioritise the targeting of those involved in the supply of drugs. Their work will encompass measures to tackle the threat of psychoactive substances being sold through the Internet.

Deputies:

Over €36 million will be expended by my Department in combating problem drug use this year. I see this area of expenditure as being of particular importance, especially in view of the benefits that can accrue to the individuals involved and to society at large. I will make every effort to protect funding in this important area but, as the Deputy is aware, I cannot give an undertaking in this regard in advance of the completion of the estimates process and the budget.

Deputies:

I stress my determination to tackle the issue of problem substance misuse over the coming years and I am confident that the national drugs strategy will continue to facilitate this.

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