Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the information he has of a developing use of a mixture of heroin and cocaine being taken intravenously by drug users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37013/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Advisory Committee on Drugs is in the process of completing an update on Cocaine Use in Ireland and, while this research is still a work in progress, the indications are that the use of cocaine is increasing and that a small number of injecting drug users are combining cocaine and heroin (speedball).

The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), which is an epidemiological database on treated problem drug and alcohol use in Ireland, reports 282 cases of the use of a mixture of heroin and cocaine administered by injection in 2003 (latest year for which figures are available). While this represents an increase on previous years (e.g. 138 cases in 2000), it is clear that the practice is not a common occurrence. However, it is very risky, tending to lead to increased and more risky injecting behaviour and greater risk of overdose.

The NDTRS also reports on the number of cases of both heroin and cocaine being used as the first and second problem substances. In the six years from 1998 to 2003 a total of 2,620 such cases were reported, again with an increasing trend, with 742 cases reported in 2003.

It should be noted that the NDTRS figures are case based, rather than representing individuals. As some clients use more that one service as part of their treatment, the number of individuals involved may be less than the case figures.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is information available to him that crack cocaine is available in areas throughout the country other than in a particular area in Dublin's north inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37012/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Through the implementation structures of the National Drugs Strategy, my officials have ongoing contact with representatives of An Garda Síochána, and the prevalence of crack cocaine in the country is among the issues discussed from time to time. I also periodically meet senior officers of An Garda Síochána to review developments in regard to illicit drugs.

The Gardaí have reported a slight increase in the quantity of crack cocaine seized in the jurisdiction over the past two years. However, this represents a small proportion of the total number of cocaine seizures recorded annually.

The Gardaí are satisfied that the use of crack cocaine is largely confined to a small geographical area in Dublin. Furthermore, they have had some success in targeting the supply and use of this drug in that area. Also, in my visits to various Drugs Task Force areas in the past year or so, the issue of crack cocaine did not arise to any great extent in my discussions with community representatives and others on the nature of the drug problem in their regions.

I am confident that, through the implementation of the actions in the National Drugs Strategy, the projects and initiatives operated through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces and the operations of an Garda Síochána, the problem of crack cocaine use can be, and is being, addressed. Each of the Drugs Task Forces has in place an action plan to tackle drug use in their area, based on their own identified priorities, and they continue to have ongoing contact with their local communities.

However, I fully accept that a potential danger exists that the use of crack cocaine could spread. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor the situation and that I will ensure that any necessary steps are taken to address increased threats, should they arise.