Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the recent incident in Waterford which left two people in serious condition in hospital, apparently as a result of drugs overdose, he has plans for additional promotional or information campaigns to alert people as to the dangers of drugs, particularly cocaine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32588/07]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I wish to express my condolences to the family of Kevin Doyle on their great loss and to again send my good wishes to John Grey and his family. I hope that he makes a full recovery.

Since I became Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, I have repeatedly warned — both in this House and elsewhere — of the dangers of illegal drug use. In that regard, I have a particular focus on prevention – and believe that if we can avoid people starting a drug habit, we can also help to avoid the heartache, pain and expense that arises as a result.

While responsibility for a National Drugs Awareness Campaign rests with the Health Services Executive in the first instance, my Department is involved in developing proposals through the Advisory Group established in that regard. The up-coming campaign will focus on cocaine. Its primary aim will be to communicate the dangers of cocaine use, with a particular focus on so called "recreational cocaine users" in the 15-34 age group. It will utilise appropriate media, such as social network websites, to target this age group.

Meanwhile, the Walk Tall (primary level) and SPHE (secondary level) Programmes continue to be the main vehicles through which drug prevention and awareness messages are disseminated in our schools. While much can be achieved under these Programmes, I have asked that the Department of Education & Science to consider what might be done to sharpen the focus on senior cycle students, at second level, in regard to drugs awareness.

Meanwhile, a significant level of information in regard to the dangers of illicit drug use is disseminated at Local and Regional Drugs Task Force level through specific projects, drug awareness weeks and other initiatives funded by my Department. Also, the main aim of projects funded by my Department through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse. In that context, it should be noted that, under that Fund, money is also being made available to five National youth organisations to disseminate drug prevention and awareness messages to young people — both directly, and by upskilling personnel in these organisations.