Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

4:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date on the aim of significantly reducing the hardship caused to individuals and society by drug misuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15008/07]

Photo of Noel AhernNoel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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This will be a continuation of the reply to Priority Question No. 39 which I did not finish. I listed a number of major capital projects completed under the young people's facilities and services fund in Cabra, Ballywaltrim in Bray, St. Catherine's Community Sports Centre on Marrowbone Lane, St. Teresa's Hall on Donore Avenue and Donnycarney. In total, approximately 650 people are employed in drug-related initiatives funded by the Department. The €50 million in the Department's Vote is only part of the overall allocation of approximately €200 million provided by the Government across a number of Departments to tackle the drugs problem.

In response to a supplementary question, I mentioned the report entitled A Community Drugs Study — Developing Community Drugs Indicators, which was produced by the NACD. It examined the experiences and perceptions of three communities which experienced drug problems, namely, Ballymun, Bray and Crumlin, with respect to drug use and associated issues. While problems persist in the communities relating to drugs, drink, anti-social behaviour and crime, the study noted significant improvements in a number of areas, including reductions in some types of crime, the expansion of drug treatment services and improved employment opportunities. The study also clearly demonstrated the merits of the approach underpinned by the national drugs strategy, in particular the level of community involvement through drugs task forces.

The future implementation of the recommendations of the report of the working group on drug rehabilitation, which will be launched in the coming weeks, will represent another step forward. I expect to receive shortly a recommendation from the national drugs strategy team for an increased role for the family support network, which was called for and recommended in the mid-term review. Major efforts are being made to tackle the various problems of drug misuse. I acknowledge more remains to be done but we are tackling the problem and having significant successes in a range of targets.

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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In the previous part of his reply, the Minister of State indicated the national drugs strategy was conceived in the context of the heroin problem which existed at the time. A major recommendation of the study mentioned by the Minister of State which was carried out in Ballymun, Crumlin and Bray was that indicators be developed to identify emerging drug problems earlier. Has anything happened with regard to this? Has the Minister of State directed any actions to be taken in this regard? The Minister of State will be long gone by the time the new drugs strategy will be in place. Has he come to a firm view with regard to whether alcohol abuse should be part of the next national drugs strategy?

Photo of Noel AhernNoel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I stated the original strategy and local drugs task forces came out of problems in certain areas in the inner city and suburban communities of Dublin. These will always be a priority. Other people use cannabis and cocaine but they are from a range of various groups in society. The emphasis should always be on those who are most affected by drug misuse.

A different view is taken on alcohol. As called for in the mid-term review of the drugs strategy, a committee was established by the Department of Health and Children to examine the issue and it includes people from a range of agencies and Departments. Various view are taken. Some feel the two strategies should be amalgamated and others feel links should be made on particular pillars.

At preventative level, where one addresses school children and teenagers, links already exist. One speaks about the danger of addiction and does not necessarily focus on drink one day and drugs the next. Major differences also exist and we must wait to see what the committee recommends. Whatever one may state about alcohol, it is a legal substance. Drugs are illegal. Similarities and differences exist and we must wait to see what comes out of the report.