We have been fortunate in Cork. In the past there was no heroin epidemic or high incidence of heroin use by comparison with the position in Dublin. We have had the good fortune to escape the problem. However, difficulties have arisen with the use of ecstasy and cocaine. The use of heroin is very worrying if it takes hold because of the crime associated with it. Heroin users are socially excluded and have poor social skills. Traditionally, they have difficult family backgrounds, high levels of social welfare dependency and low levels of educational attainment. There may be an increase in crime, from handbag snatching to more serious thefts and burglary, because heroin is more expensive than other drugs. It can wreak havoc in a community if it takes hold.