From Department of Health
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The Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan, has advocated a multi-agency response to the findings of a European survey on the impact of drugs on communities. Published by the European Commission, the survey assesses the impact of drugs on communities in the EU (Impact of drugs on communities - February 2022 - - Eurobarometer survey (europa.eu).
Over 25,000 participants aged 15 and over were interviewed across the 27 Member States of the European Union between June and July 2021. The survey includes a separate report on Ireland.
Minster Feighan said:
“The survey shows the devastating effect of drug use and drug dealing on communities across Europe and in Ireland. Over half of Irish respondents report that people using or dealing drugs is a serious problem in their local area and that it is central to reducing their quality of life. I note a high percentage perceive a strong link between drug use and poverty or unemployment in their community (55%), and between drug use and conflict and violence in the community (54%). I am particularly concerned about the high numbers (42%) reporting intimidation by drug dealers or people who use drugs, as this can have severe consequences for those affected.”
Minister Feighan continued:
“Complex drug-related problems require comprehensive and multi-sectoral responses at European, national and community levels. I have prioritised actions to address the social determinants and consequences of drug use and criminality in disadvantaged communities, under the national drugs strategy for 2021-2025. This requires the involvement and cooperation of a range of government department and agencies, including drug and alcohol task forces, in tackling the root causes of drug and alcohol use. It is not acceptable that the lives of families and communities are blighted by the violence and intimidation associated with criminal groups.”
Minister Feighan added:
“I recently announced the allocation of €2 million for a Community Services Enhancement Fund for the provision of community-based drug and alcohol services. I have also provided €850,000 for a HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms associated with the use of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. This will fund targeted interventions in disadvantaged communities worst affected by cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine.”