Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1150. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the escalating and widespread issue of the use of crack cocaine; the data which is available to him on such usage; and the treatment response to this issue. [36647/17]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department and the Health Service Executive have a range of mechanisms for sharing information about the drugs situation with An Garda Síochána, including the Early Warning Emerging Trends Sub-Committee (EWET) of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol and the HSE Public Alert System for adverse events due to drugs.

The EWET provides a forum for representatives from my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and other relevant experts to exchange information on emerging trends and patterns in drug use.

I understand that anecdotal reports of an increase in the use of crack cocaine and apparent paraphernalia being found have been raised by service providers attending the EWET. The authorities remain vigilant for the possibility of an increase in the use of crack cocaine in Ireland.

The most recent Drugs Prevalence Survey for 2014/2015 indicates that there has been no increase in last month or last year use of cocaine, including crack cocaine, since the previous survey for 2010/2011.