Drugs strategy and treatment demand
A Senator urges the Government to align the new drugs strategy with the committee’s work and the HRB report showing rising, changing drug use and greater treatment demand.
As the Deputy Leader is aware, the Oireachtas drugs committee is working to complete its report before the summer recess. As she is also aware, the Minister is producing a new drugs strategy. This week, the Health Research Board, HRB, released its latest report, which shows increasing demand for drug treatment. More than 15,000 individuals sought drug treatment in 2025. The nature of drug use has changed or is changing. It is much more widespread and much more complex. There are multiple drugs. Younger people are using synthetic drugs such as nitrous oxide. Cocaine accounts for 42% of all treatment cases. There has also been a big increase in women using drugs. There is a huge issue. Work is in hand but the House should have an urgent debate on the HRB report. Every Member of the House should seek to understand what is going on with drug use in our country. The nature of it has changed dramatically, and we need to respond accordingly.
I condemn unequivocally the illegal abduction and detainment of the peaceful protesters by Israel. This is a complete violation of international law. It is absolutely unacceptable, as the Taoiseach has indicated. These protesters need to be immediately and unconditionally released. As the Taoiseach stated, the EU must respond.
I add my voice to the many voices offering condolences to the family of Yves Sakila, the man who lost his life on Henry Street last week. It is very sad and tragic for Yves, his family, his community and for the wider community. I urge the authorities to complete the independent review of the incident as swiftly as possible. I offer my condolences to all involved. May Yves rest in eternal peace.