Written answers

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

61. To ask the Minister for Health his latest assessment of trends in the use of illegal drugs in Dublin city and county; and the success of strategies in place. [28089/21]

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Government policy in relation to drug and alcohol addiction services is set out in the National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery-a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025. A key objective of the strategy is to support high quality monitoring, evaluation, and research to ensure evidence-informed policies and practice.

The National Drug and Alcohol Survey is funded by the Department of Health and managed by the Health Research Board. It is a general population survey of households to measure the extent and pattern of drug use among a representative sample of those aged 15 and over in Ireland.

The Health Research Board published the findings of the National Drug and Alcohol Survey for 2019/20 on July 1st. A further report presenting the breakdown of survey data by regional areas will be ready for publication in October of this year. The regional data will be especially relevant in the context of the establishment of health regions under the Slaintecare reform programme.

The data from the National Drug and Alcohol Survey will highlight issues that require attention as part of the mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy. In particular, it will inform the allocation of the additional €1m funding for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives in conjunction with the drug and alcohol task forces.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.