Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the arrangements that have been made in regard to the commencement of the fieldwork for the second drug prevalence study; if expressions of interest from potential tenderers have been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18133/06]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the significance of the findings of the Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland: 2002/2003 Drug Prevalence Survey; Health Board (Ireland) and Health & Social Services Board (Northern Ireland) Results (Revised) published by the National Advisory committee on Drugs. [18168/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 84 together.

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs and the Drug and Alcohol Information and Research Unit (Northern Ireland) commissioned the first Drug Prevalence Survey, the purpose of which was to establish the population prevalence of drug use on the island of Ireland, in 2002/2003. This study surveyed over 8,000 people aged 15-64 in Ireland and Northern Ireland between October 2002 and April 2003 and examined the prevalence of a number of drugs. That work provided us for the first time with robust statistical information on the prevalence of drug use in the general population. It covered any lifetime use of drugs by respondents, as well as more recent use in the previous year and month.

Expressions of interest from potential tenderers were sought for the second Drug Prevalence Survey and tender documentation was subsequently issued to the interested parties. Tenders for the survey are due towards the end of June.

Especially with the baseline information in place from the first survey, the findings of the forthcoming project will prove very informative, giving valuable information on trends which can feed into drugs policy formulation. It is intended that the Drug Prevalence Study fieldwork will be carried out from late 2006 to mid 2007. Preliminary analysis will be done in the months following, with a first report of national prevalence figures and trends expected in late 2007.