Cowen Launches Drug Strategy

The Taoiseach has today launched a the latest Government strategy for tackling Ireland's illegal drug use.

Significantly, Brian Cowen conceded the issue of drug abuse continued to be one of the most significant challenges facing the State, and accepted the problem is growing.

Speaking at the publication of the Government’s new National Drugs Strategy, which covers the period 2009-2016, Mr Cowen said: "Very significant progress has been made under the previous strategy, but the drugs problem continues to evolve and to throw up new challenges."

A study by the Health Research Board, published last week, revealed heroin and cocaine use is steadily increasing across Ireland.

Mr Cowen stressed the need to get across a strong prevention message to young people and added: "At this stage in the development of our drugs policies, it is vital that we seek out the potential in people for rehabilitation and strive to provide the circumstances in which such potential is most likely to be realised."

The strategy makes 63 recommendations, ranging from monitoring the activities of "headshops" to a review of the operation and effectiveness of drug courts.

Fine Gael have responded unenthusiastically to the report, with spokesman Michael Ring describing the strategy as "worryingly vague", adding that the crisis in the public finances means tackling the issue needs to be built on clear actions that can be delivered despite budgetary constraints.

"It is clear that the patterns of drug abuse in Ireland have changed utterly since the previous National Drugs Strategy. The publication of a new strategy is welcome in recognising the changes and challenges we are now dealing with but there is a worrying sense of déjà vu when, as with previous Government reports, there are long lists of recommendations with no targets for delivery," Mr Ring said.

(DW/GK)