Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)

According to a United Nations report, statistics show that Irish people are the fourth highest consumers of cocaine globally. Over a short few years, there has been a 171% in the number of young people receiving treatment for cocaine abuse in this country. In 2023 alone, over 13,000 people were treated for problem drug use. Four in ten of those cases were first-time presentations. Cocaine is the most common drug responsible for referrals. It accounts for one in three cases, which underlines the chilling fact that we have a serious and ever-growing problem with cocaine use in this country. The problem is growing rapidly with a dramatic rise in the number of young women seeking help to combat their addiction to cocaine. Figures provided by the HSE show that there was close to a 400% increase among females seeking treatment for cocaine addiction between 2017 and 2023.

All current indicators show an explosion in cocaine use across society. We are on the verge of a cocaine crisis. It is destructive and alarming. It is a new cancer spreading throughout our society. Behind these disturbing statistics lies the person — a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother or father. Cocaine makes no distinction between the lives it destroys and the lives it takes. Cocaine has gripped people across Ireland by the throat and most are unable to loosen its hold. An increasing number of lives are being decimated.

Currently, the problem of drug misuse is tackled in a co-ordinated and integrated way under the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. A mid-term review of and report on this strategy were published. As this is the final year of the policy initiative, when can we expect a final report? It would appear to many on the front line that this strategy has not been effective or successful. Given the consistent rise in the numbers seeking help for drug addiction, the overall effectiveness of this approach must be measured. Is it reaching those in danger of dabbling in drugs? Is it targeting those who have tried drugs such as cocaine and are at risk of addiction? Are our support and response systems adequate? What key issues have been identified and not yet addressed?

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