DRUG COCKTAILS POSE SERIOUS RISK TO YOUNG, SAYS MINISTER

DRUG "cocktails" being used by young people are posing a serious risk to
their lives, according to Minister of State Eoin Ryan.

The junior minister at Tourism, Sport and Recreation, who is to spearhead a
new Government anti-drugs campaign, said there have been reports of these
potentially lethal "mixes" being used all over the country.

The dangerous "cocktails" consist of alcohol, "hash" and ecstasy.

Mr Ryan said that recreational drugs in which category he includes alcohol
are in widespread use.

But he said there is no question of legalising cannabis. "It is 10 times
more carcinogenic than tobacco and two to three joints a day would be
equivalent to 30 cigarettes."

Mr Ryan is currently undertaking a major review of the national drugs
strategy and a draft report is to go before the Cabinet shortly, with a new
campaign being launched in March.

The educational campaign will include a special focus on the dangers of
ecstasy. Last year, the national drugs advisory committee was set up to
monitor trends in use and to examine treatment and best international practice.

The minister said the heroin problem had "definitely stabilised". It is
estimated that there are 13,500 heroin users in Dublin. There are currently
about 5,000 people in methadone maintenance treatment.

Regional task forces have been examining the extent of the drug problem in
their areas and recommending solutions. There was also a series of public
forums with nine different areas being visited and 200 written submissions
being received.

With pounds 15m already available for these projects, an extra pounds 10m
is being provided for local capital project needs.

On top of this funding, pounds 30m has already been spent on the Young
People Facilities and Services Fund, with a further pounds 70m coming from
the National Development Plan over the next six years.