Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I believe this is an important issue too and it is one that affects my constituency. I would very much welcome a more detailed debate in the House on this. That is a good idea. The Irish drugs-related deaths index is done to the highest standards. Such standards are not adhered to by many other countries. This is the major reason for the relatively high figures of drug-related deaths in Ireland. The index is calculated from four different sources, namely coroners' records, HIPE, the hospital inpatient inquiry system, the central treatment list and the general mortality register. It is compiled by the Health Research Board, a very well-respected agency and I would not question its numbers unless someone was able to show me better data.

I am very enthusiastic about the naloxone project which I believe will make a big difference. Access to it will mean overdoses can be reversed quickly which will make an enormous difference. I know the solution is not treating overdoses and that the solution starts much earlier than that. However, it would be a considerable achievement if we could significantly reduce the number of deaths as a result of overdoses this year.

The issue of a drugs Minister working across various Departments, such as health, education and justice, would be a matter for the Taoiseach. It would not be appropriate for me to assume his position on that. On alcohol, the Deputy will be aware that for the first time in the history of the State we are proceeding with a public health Bill on alcohol which includes a number of far-reaching measures which have been talked about for a long time but have not been implemented. I am keen to get that legislation through the House before the summer this year. I would appreciate the co-operation of the parties opposite in getting this legislation through. While some people claim it does not go far enough, I can assure the Deputy there are plenty of other interests which will try to delay the legislation and obstruct what we are trying to achieve in this area.

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