Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 62: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of campaigns being funded by his Department or any agency within the remit of his Department regarding highlighting the dangers of the use of illegal substances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18997/10]

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

As part of the effort under way at present across Departments and agencies to introduce controls on a range of psychoactive substances sold through headshops and through the internet, the HSE, in association with partner agencies under the Drugs Strategy, is finalising a national drugs awareness campaign that will focus on the dangers of psychoactive substances.

The Deputy will also be aware that raising awareness is a key element of the work of the Drugs Task Forces, in facilitating greater local and regional focus on drugs issues. From the funding allocated by my Department to the Task Forces, each has the discretion to support projects and initiatives aimed at creating greater societal awareness about the dangers of substance misuse. The nature, format, extent and frequency of such activities fall for decision by the individual Task Force. Many of the projects funded focus specifically on drug awareness, ranging from local drug awareness events to other initiatives such as "Awareness Weeks". Such measures have proven to be effective as many of them focus on the issues particular to their own localities.

I am, of course, keenly aware that there is a variety of media through which the Task Forces disseminate information and promote their different activities and programmes. These range from website notices, local advertising, linkages with community fora/councils, as well as through Task Force members, notices on community focussed websites, etc. I would, of course, always encourage Task Forces to promote and link in with any relevant campaigns and adopt an all-encompassing approach to reach the appropriate target audience.

The Deputy will be aware that prevention is one of the pillars of the National Drugs Strategy. Various prevention and education interventions are planned, focusing on young people - both in the school and the non-school setting - as well as on the overall population. A range of awareness campaigns is envisaged as part of this approach.