Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise the matter of a report on the use of legal highs published by the EU yesterday. Those in the 15 to 24 age group in our population are highest users of legal highs, with 16% of that age group having admitted in surveys to using them. This issue was dealt with last year, but it has not gone way. This problem will remain with us. Once one drug is made illegal, a new manufacturing process is put in place to bring another similar type drug on to the market. One drug alone accounted for many deaths in Europe. There were 39 deaths in Europe, 37 in the UK and Ireland. It is a serious issue which involves the Department of Education and Skills as well as the Departments of Justice and Equality and Health. At this stage, we need to implement a proactive education programme. I ask that the Minister for Education and Skills outline to the House what his Department proposes in terms of educating young people about the dangers of illegal drugs and legal highs. They may not affect their health immediately but they have long-term impacts.