EMPHASISE DANGERS IN THE DRUG TRADE

I AM very concerned at the widespread use of so-called recreational
drugs. A recent EU report revealed that only Britain had a higher rate
of teen experimentation with illegal drugs than Ireland. According to
the report, 36% of Irish schoolgoers between the ages of 15 and 16
indicated they had used cannabis while 8% said they had used ecstasy.

As the use of so-called recreational drugs is evidently increasing, I
believe it is essential that our anti-drugs campaigns stress to young
people the social and legal consequences as well as the medical
repercussions of taking drugs.

Many people who are doing well at school and college are taking
recreational drugs. They are aware of the legal consequences of drink
driving due to the various government initiatives to address this
problem. In addition, it should be highlighted that support of this
illegal trade supports many organisations with appalling human rights
records.

Willie O'Dea TD, Minister of State, Department of Education and
Science, Dublin 2.