Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to tackle the increase in heroin and cocaine use, as outlined in the recently published 2009 annual report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, The State of the Drugs Problem in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41788/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The drug prevalence statistics contained in the recently published report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction were compiled from the latest figures available for individual countries. In the case of Ireland, they reflect the outcome of the all-island drug prevalence survey 2006 to 2007, which provides the best estimate of the drug prevalence. One of the findings of the 2006 to 2007 survey was the emergence of cocaine as a threat, particularly among younger adults. On the other hand, whole-population surveys are not a reliable mechanism for assessing heroin use as the numbers of people involved are relatively small.

Overall the EMCDDA report points out that cocaine use has risen across Europe; heroin use, which is covered in much less depth in the report, is stable across Europe but no longer shows a decline; and polydrug use is now the norm among problem drug users. These points are broadly in line with experience in Ireland. The introduction to the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 speaks of the growth in cocaine use, albeit from a low base, the dispersal of heroin use around the country because when the 2001-2008 strategy was drawn up heroin use was seen primarily as a Dublin issue, and polydrug use as a norm among problem drug users.

Accordingly, the new strategy, which was launched in September, has been drawn up with the aim of addressing such issues. The overall strategic objective of the strategy is to continue to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. The new strategy has an appropriate balance between supply reduction and demand reduction initiatives. Supply reduction measures will focus in particular on measures to reduce the volume of illicit drugs reaching Ireland and the disruption of the activities of organised criminal networks. In regard to demand reduction, there will be a significant emphasis on prevention measures, with some such measures focusing on the broad population, while others will target specific groups deemed to be most at risk. We must endeavour to equip young people, in particular, with the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed choices about their health and future that will include a rejection of drug use. There will be also a major focus on developing a national integrated treatment and rehabilitation service to aid those already involved with drugs.

The difficulties facing our society as a consequence of problem drug use are significant and addressing all the factors involved will not be easy. However, I am determined that real progress will be made across the period of the strategy, with all sectors working in a co-ordinated and targeted way, to achieve the implementation of the agreed actions.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The report also states that Ireland has the fourth highest incidence of cocaine use among 15 to 24 year olds in Europe. I remind the Minister of State it is a known fact that 15 year olds can buy a line of cocaine or a bag of heroin easier than they can buy a packet of cigarettes in a shop. As a result of Government and departmental cuts in community projects, there has been a significant increase in cocaine use in all communities. It is on the streets for all to see and all one needs to do is open one's eyes. Without the intervention of these projects and their influence on young people, their lives are at risk.

I was pleased to hear the Minister of State refer to health as I missed some of his reply. I strongly believe that prevention is the best action.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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A question please, Deputy.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Minister of State should concentrate on the fact that taking away funding for community use through community projects, education and youth cafés, is devastating. I have another question.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I will call the Deputy again.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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In reply to Deputy Byrne I wish to be clear that this EMCDDA report ranked Ireland fourth in terms of cocaine use. However, the report is specific in stating that cocaine use is primarily seen in western Europe, in Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom. I am not trying to diminish the significance of the problem but other countries which do not have a cocaine problem tend to have a problem with other drugs, particularly amphetamines.

I certainly agree with the Deputy on one point. Earlier in the year I attended a UN convention on narcotics. I listened to presentations from a significant number of countries, from the wealthiest to the poorest countries in the world. Every one of those countries had a drugs problem. If as a society we wish to make a significant impact on the drugs problem the only way to do so is in the area of prevention, awareness and education. We can make all the seizures and treat all those who are addicted but if we want to effect a radical change this will happen only through education, prevention and awareness.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his reply and I agree with him on that point. The report clearly states that the widespread use of cocaine and heroin in the countries to which the Minister of State referred, and the number of people seeking detoxification treatment, increased significantly. The only figures I can find are for 2005 to 2007, when there was a rise of 170% in cocaine-related cases. This is a significant figure. What urgent action is being taken to prevent addiction in the first place? Where this has failed, what measures will be implemented to adequately treat these people and give them proper treatment places? As the Minister of State said, prevention is the most important factor but people are also suffering and they need treatment.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the Deputy that prevention is the key. I refer to those who are currently addicted and are looking for treatment. The figures referred to are for 2006 to 2007. It is a concern that during times of recession, the emergence of heroin use can pose a significant problem. I have had discussions with the HSE. It was decided in the past month to have additional clinical services up and running before the end of the first quarter of next year in parts of the country where services were poor or non-existent, for example in Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Dundalk, Drogheda. In addition, it was decided that GPs would also assist. There must be a combined package, otherwise people will go to a clinic but will not have progression routes and this is not sufficient. In the southern part of the country, the HSE has committed to a number of additional detoxification beds, including counselling services, as not everyone requires an opiate substitute or methadone. An additional 10,000 counselling hours will be provided next year for up to 400 people who are addicted. These are tangible initiatives which are underway as we speak to deal with this issue.