Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 100: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on reports that cheaper, less pure heroin imported illegally from Afghanistan is currently widely for sale in towns and cities here; if his attention has been drawn to the danger this poses and the possible link between this contaminated heroin and the recent deaths of a number of heroin users in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42838/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am fully aware of the dangers posed if cheaper and either less pure or more pure heroin is available for sale in Ireland, but, as yet, there is no clear evidence that this is the case.

I acknowledge with regret the recent tragic deaths of a number of heroin users in Dublin. However, toxicology reports are still awaited and Garda and HSE investigations are ongoing. No links have yet been established between these deaths and contaminated heroin, or heroin of different purity to the norm.