Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action taken to date to highlight the dangers of the use of cocaine and heroin as a result of recent reports indicating increases in the use of these illicit substances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34211/09]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recently published figures on alcohol and drug misuse here; if he is committed to reducing the incidence of substance misuse, particularly amongst young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33243/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 141 together.

The recent data produced by the Alcohol and Drug Research Unit of the Health Research Board related to the number of people being treated for cocaine and opiate use by various treatment services during the period 2002-2007. Such figures, focusing on treatment data, do not provide accurate estimates of the prevalence of drug use. Indeed, increased treatment numbers are generally to be welcomed.

Our best estimates in regard to prevalence are those found in the two all island Prevalence Surveys undertaken in 2002/2003 and 2006/07, with the next such survey to be undertaken in 2010/2011. Indeed, the Alcohol and Drug Research Unit attribute the increased numbers in cocaine and opiate treatment to a combination of factors, an increase in the number of treatment places, an increase in reporting to the National Drug Treatment Reporting System, as well as increased drug use.

A recent report into young people involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour indicates that many of the incidents involved were alcohol related. Evidence indicates a well recognised link between alcohol consumption among young people and their engagement in the committal of offences. Significant services are available that seek to address the risk factors that influence the early onset of substance use among young people and to promote protective factors, as well as addressing problem alcohol and drug use when they arise.

The further development of prevention measures aimed primarily at those deemed to be most at risk of becoming involved in illegal drug use, and at the younger adult population generally, is a crucial element of the recently published National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. Such interventions will cover both school and non-school settings, recognising in particular the dangers that arise in the case of early school leavers. Along with this, there will be an increased emphasis on developing awareness among the general population with respect to problem drug and alcohol use.

Last March the Government decided to include alcohol with drugs in a National Substance Misuse Strategy that will be developed by the end of next year. I welcome this and I see it facilitating a more coherent approach to the overall problem of substance misuse, particularly among young people.