NEW: Tipperary TD reveals startling new figures of cocaine abuse in Ireland
Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Taoiseach if support and response systems are adequate
"According to a United Nations report, statistics show Irish people are the fourth highest consumers of cocaine globally. Over a few short years, there has been a 171% increase in the number of young people receiving treatment for cocaine abuse in this country", Deputy Michael Lowry told the Taoiseach during Members & Questions in the Dáil on Wednesday.
"We need a renewed public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers and information on available supports. We also need to increase the number of places available in rehabilitation facilities and improve backup assistance for those in recovery.
"Without providing this support, we are fighting a losing battle. A battle that will continue to spiral out of control. A battle that could end in tragedy for many families," he said.
"In 2023 alone over 13,000 cases were treated for problem drug use. Almost four in ten of these cases were first-time presentations. Cocaine accounts for one in three cases, which underlines the chilling fact that we have a serious and ever-growing problem with cocaine use in this country.
"The problem is growing rapidly, with a dramatic rise in the number of young women seeking help to combat their addiction to cocaine. Figures provided by the HSE show that there was close to a 400% increase among females seeking treatment for cocaine use and addiction between 2017 and 2023.
"All current indicators show an explosion in cocaine use across society. We are on the verge of a cocaine crisis. It is destructive. It is alarming. It is the new cancer spreading throughout society," he said.
"Taoiseach, behind these disturbing statistic lies the person – a son or daughter, a husband or wife, a mother or father. Cocaine makes no distinction between the lives it destroys - or the lives it takes.
"Cocaine has gripped people across Ireland by the throat and most are unable to loosen its hold. Increasing numbers of lives are being decimated," he stated.
"Currently, the problem of drug misuse is tackled in a coordinated and integrated way under the National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm and Supporting Recovery.
"A midterm Review and Report was published on this strategy. As this is the final year of this Policy Initiative, when can we expect a final report?
"It would appear to many on the frontline that this strategy has not been effective or successful. Given the consistent rise in the numbers seeking help for drug addiction, the overall effectiveness of this approach must be measured. Is it reaching those in danger of dabbling in drugs?
"Is it targeting those who have tried drugs like cocaine and are at risk of addiction? Are our support and response systems adequate? What key issues have been identified and not yet addressed?
"Taoiseach, most people agree that not enough is being done to address the growing cocaine situation in our cities, towns, villages, and crossroads. We do not have our fingers on the pulse of all that is happening. We need to strengthen and
expand current strategies, together with funding new initiatives, to counteract the malaise of drug abuse."
Deputy Lowry concluded by saying that, "We obviously do not have our fingers on the pulse of all that is happening. We need to strengthen and expand current strategies, together with funding new initiatives, to counteract the malaise of drug abuse".
"We need a renewed public awareness campaign of the dangers and information on supports that can be accessed. We need to increase the number of places available in rehabilitation facilities and improve backup assistance for those in recovery.
"Without providing these supports, we are fighting a losing battle. A battle that will continue to spiral out of control. A battle that could end in tragedy for many families."