James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

It is important to note that the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, EMCDDA, depends on individual countries to supply it with figures on drug use. Two issues arise in this regard, namely, the quality of information supplied and the timeliness of such information. The EMCDDA report is historic rather than current. The Irish content on prevalence in the 2011 report is based on the 2006-2007 drugs prevalence survey. This was an all-island survey prepared by the national advisory committee on drugs and was carried out to the highest standards. Not all contributors to the EMCDDA would have similar comprehensive prevalence surveys on which to base their figures. The drugs prevalence survey is carried out on a four-year cycle and the 2010-2011 report will be launched next week.

I acknowledge that we have had a problem of heroin use in Ireland, particularly in Dublin, for some years. Significant steps are being taken through the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 to address this issue. An Garda Síochána and the Revenue's customs service continue to prioritise their efforts to reduce the supply of drugs into Ireland and the production of drugs within the country. The further development of prevention measures aimed primarily at those deemed to be most at risk of becoming involved in illegal drug use, and at the younger population generally, is a critical element of the national drugs strategy.

There are approximately 14,500 known opiate users in Ireland, of whom 9,300 are in receipt of methadone treatment. In total, more than 12,500 people are in receipt of drug treatment. Clients can usually access methadone provision in Dublin within one month of assessment. The major focus recently has been on increasing the availability of services outside Dublin. In the past 18 months, for example, additional services have been put in place in Limerick, Tralee, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford and Dundalk. Increased detoxification facilities have also come on stream recently in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Cork and Limerick. The roll-out of needle exchange services in approximately 65 community pharmacies at various locations outside Dublin began in October. Needle exchange services in Dublin are provided through HSE clinics and voluntary sector providers. This initiative will facilitate broad national coverage.

I am particularly focused on ensuring there is an increased emphasis on moving people on from drug treatment to a drug-free life, where that is achievable. Apart from the obvious benefits to those concerned, this will open up more treatment opportunities, allowing us to encourage more people into treatment. The EMCDDA notes that we have adopted "imaginative responses" in addressing the problem of new psychoactive substances and have had greater impact in dealing with this aspect of drug use. As a result of the prompt actions taken, the number of headshops has reduced from 102 to 12 and psychoactive substances are not for sale in any of these outlets.

On drug mortality, Ireland reports the third highest rate after Estonia and Norway and is just ahead of the UK figure. However, it is acknowledged that the figures from Ireland, compiled through the Health Research Board's national drugs-related deaths index, are very accurate. This index combines information from four sources, namely, coroners' records, the hospital inpatient inquiry scheme, the central treatment list and the general mortality register. Drug death figures in most European countries are based on general mortality register records only. Nevertheless, the number of deaths arising from drugs misuse is of great concern and underlines the importance of tackling the drugs problem in a comprehensive way.

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