Written answers

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

National Drugs Strategy

5:00 pm

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the number of reported deaths from cocaine use; the steps he will take to reduce cocaine use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20961/07]

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Drug Related Death Index (NDRDI) — which is jointly funded by the Departments of Health & Children and Justice Equality & Law Reform — is being prepared at present by the Health Research Board. I am informed that a preliminary report will be made in 2008.

While firm figures are not available at this time, I am aware that the Dublin County Coroner recently gave a warning about the dangers of cocaine when considering a number of deaths related to the use of the drug on one day. He cautioned that cocaine use can be lethal even in small doses, sometimes on the first time of use.

I am fully aware of the threat posed by cocaine and see the implementation of the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs report "An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland", which was published earlier this year, as being central to the response to this threat. The report outlines 13 recommendations and these are now being followed up. I am committed to ensuring that the recommendations are implemented and this is being pursued through the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs, which I chair.

The report also highlighted the extremely high risks associated with cocaine and the physical and mental health problems that arise from its use. As you may be aware, cocaine is particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol and other substances and these messages on the real dangers associated with its use need to be continually highlighted. The social and economic harm also needs to be stressed, not only to the users of cocaine, but also to their families and to communities that bear the brunt of the behaviour and criminal activity associated with the supply and use of cocaine. Furthermore, the dangers associated with so-called "recreational" or "week-end" cocaine use and the glamorising of cocaine in some quarters need to be repeatedly stressed.

Other initiatives sponsored by my Department in regard to the cocaine problem include the funding of four pilot projects and a training programme for service providers. Also, under the Emerging Needs Fund, six cocaine specific projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas have been funded and support for a further nine projects aimed at polydrug/cocaine use has been provided under that Fund.

The challenges posed by cocaine use are significant, but I am confident that we can meet these challenges through a co-ordinated approach utilising the structures of the National Drugs Strategy.

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