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

Drug-related deaths are a human tragedy for the families and friends of the people involved and have a considerable impact on communities and society as a whole. While there are no easy solutions to addressing the problem, the Government is committed to stepping up the effort to reduce the number of drug-related deaths. The latest annual figures from the national drug-related deaths index indicate that 350 people died in 2012 due to the toxic effects of drugs, a decrease from 387 in 2011. There were 86 deaths involving methadone in 2012 as compared with 118 in 2011, 60 in 2010, 69 in 2009 and 80 in 2008. Methadone was involved in one out of four poisoning deaths, and in most of these deaths methadone was mixed with another drug.

Many drug-related deaths are avoidable, particularly those involving methadone or heroin overdoses. For this reason, I have authorised the HSE to undertake a demonstration project on the use of naloxone in the prevention of opioid overdose. Naloxone reverses the effects of drugs like heroin, morphine and methadone in someone who overdoses. The pilot study, which is being carried out this year, aims to increase access to naloxone for non-medical staff, such as the families or friends of a drug user and those who work with drug users. The HSE budget includes an extra €2.1 million to support this project and other measures targeting vulnerable drug users, including through the provision of additional residential detoxification beds and additional rehabilitation facilities.

My Department is commencing work on the development of a new national drugs strategy for the period after 2016. The process will involve comprehensive consultation with stakeholders and the public on the current national drugs policy and future priorities. It will also take account of evidence-based research, information and data sources on the extent and nature of problem drug use in Ireland, including drug-related deaths.

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