INFORMED DEBATE ON DRUG PROBLEM IS ESSENTIAL

The review of the Government's policy on drug abuse will result in a
new strategy by the end of the year, writes Eoin Ryan

There are no simple solutions to the drug problem. However, this has
not prevented some groups and individuals from simplifying the issues
involved in order to get their particular views across. For that
reason, constructive and informed debate is not only welcome but essential.

We are currently reviewing our National Drugs Strategy and this has
afforded an opportunity for a wide-ranging public debate on our drugs
policy. The review will identify gaps and deficiencies in that policy,
the aim being to put a comprehensive new strategy in place by the end
of the year.

Through a series of consultative fora, written submissions and oral
hearings with organisations and individuals working in the drugs
field, we are ensuring a widespread consultation process in framing
our new policy. The media can play an important role by raising many
of the issues which need to be addressed.

One issue which has generated considerable debate is the emphasis on
methadone as a treatment option. I believe a range of treatment
options are necessary to respond to the diverse needs of drug users.

Methadone is an effective intervention, as evidenced by the fact that
there are nearly 300,000 drug users around Europe on this form of
treatment. However, it is most effective when backed up by a range of
other supports to assist the drug user towards full recovery. These
supports include counselling, rehabilitation and training. Our key
priority over the next few years is to develop these services. An
encouraging trend is the number of people on methadone who are finding
employment. Some methadone centres are reporting that almost 40 per
cent of their clients are now working. Arguably, the stability which
methadone has brought to their lives has allowed these people to hold
down a job in the same manner as any other person on treatment for a
long-term medical condition.

Since 1996, we have increased the number of drug users on methadone
from 1,400 to nearly 5,000.

While previously many community groups were highlighting the lack of
these programmes, those same groups are now questioning whether
methadone is the most effective form of treatment. While this is a
positive development - as we must continually review our drugs
strategy - it nevertheless shows that we are now becoming more
discerning in our approach to tackling the problem.

On the subject of policy formulation, I am currently setting up a
National Drugs Research Advisory Committee. This body will assist the
Government in its policy formulation through the provision of
authoritative and reliable research findings, based on a prioritised
programme of research and evaluation on the extent, nature, causes and
effects of drug misuse in Ireland.

While much remains to be done, we have made significant progress in
recent years. The setting up of the Local Drugs Task Forces has been a
positive development. Their principal strength is that they allow
local community and voluntary groups to work hand in hand with State
agencies in responding to the drug problem.

Through them, we now have nearly 50 additional community-based support
and advice centres catering for 4,000 drug users and their families.
These complement the treatment services of the health boards, which
themselves have been greatly enhanced in recent years. The Young
People's Facilities and Services Fund is spending over IP35 million
on youth and sports facilities, as well as outreach workers, to divert
young people away from drugs through sport and leisure.

A joint policy on treatment has been agreed between the Prison Service
and the health boards to ensure that prisoners who misuse drugs have
the same access to treatment as patients in the broader community.

We are also setting up a pilot drug court project to offer treatment
and rehabilitation programmes for drug-using offenders as an
alternative to prison.

While these are just some of the positive developments, I acknowledge
that more needs to be done. The review of the National Drugs Strategy
- - and its widespread public consultation process - will also assist in
identifying the key issues. I believe it is essential that everyone
involved in tackling the problem must work together if we are to
develop and implement an effective drugs policy.