Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent research published by the Health Research Board which found that Ireland had the fourth worst rate of drug deaths in Europe; his views on this high level of deaths among drug users; the steps he is taking to reduce demand for illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40956/08]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Drugs Related Death Index (NDRDI), covering the period 1998-2005, was published by the Health Research Board last week in fulfilment of action 67 of the National Drug Strategy. The development of a comprehensive index was prioritised in the current Strategy as it was accepted that the level of drug related deaths — as reported by the General Mortality Register — was understated. The work involved was funded jointly by the Departments of Health & Children and Justice, Equality & Law Reform.

To ensure its accuracy and completeness, the new NDRDI was compiled from four sources of data — the General Mortality Register, the records of the Coroners Service, the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Scheme and the Central Drugs Treatment List. While a significant increase in the numbers of deaths was expected, the data also highlights in stark terms the serious challenges that drug misuse poses in our society and I have expressed my deepest sympathy to everyone affected by these deaths.

While the figures place us 4th for the number of deaths per 1 million population in the EU (after Estonia, Luxembourg & Denmark) in the 2005/6 period, this is a very misleading statistic as only six countries in Europe have prepared comprehensive indices that can be compared with that now produced for Ireland.

The NDRDI is made up of two categories of entry — deaths directly related to drugs (232 in 2005) and indirectly attributed to drugs (168 in 2005 which would include HIV deaths arising from infection from needles exchange, as well as such things as accidents linked to drug use). The figures have increased between 1998 and 2005 as one would expect, as the period covered since the onset of serious illicit drug usage in Ireland becomes longer. Work will now be undertaken on the records for 2006 and it is intended to continue to have a comprehensive and timely data available.

The NDRDI is another piece of valuable information on the overall drugs situation in Ireland. In this context, I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is vital that we have comprehensive and accurate information when developing proposals for a new National Drugs Strategy. The findings from the Index will now feed into the work on the formulation of the new Strategy and I hope to be receiving recommendations in that regard from the Steering Group, which is overseeing that process, in the New Year.

The bottom line is that drugs kill and I hope that the publication of stark facts in the NDRDI will help to prevent some people, at least, from starting a drugs habit and will help others to seek treatment and ultimately to become drug free, before it is too late.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the upcoming new National Drugs Strategy will contain measures focused on crystal meth specifically in view of the significant seizure in July 2008 and anecdotal evidence of greater use of the drug; and the measures that they are expected to entail. [40996/08]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The new National Drugs Strategy, which will cover the period 2009-2016, will include measures to deal with issues arising from the use of any illicit drug, including crystal meth. The emphasis will be on ensuring that there is an on-going comprehensive response to drug related problems — rather than on drug-specific measures per se. However, those involved in dealing with the drugs problem, from the Gardaí to the Health Services, are aware of the potential threat from crystal meth.

In 2007 the Gardaí hosted an international conference focusing on crystal meth and experts from many countries, who had experience of its impact, addressed the conference and exchanged information. Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive are re-engineering their drug treatment services towards dealing with the individual, regardless of the drugs they use. This is increasingly important as more drug users become involved in polydrug use.