Statement: Senator Bacik calls for Debate on High Levels of Heroin Addiction

STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK

Labour Seanad Spokesperson for Justice, Equality & Law Reform
Thursday 11th November 2010

SENATOR BACIK CALLS FOR DEBATE ON HIGH LEVELS OF HEROIN ADDICTION

Speaking today in the Seanad, Senator Ivana Bacik called for a debate on the findings of the report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction published yesterday, saying:

“The findings of the European Monitoring Centre report should raise serious concerns for us, particularly the finding that the heroin problem is Ireland is the worst in the 15 EU member states studied, with an average of seven people in every 1000 in the Republic defined as problem opiate (heroin) users.”

Calling for an urgent debate to investigate the reasons for this high level of heroin addiction, Senator Bacik also said:

“It is also a matter of real concern that waiting lists for heroin addiction treatment are notably high in Ireland; the report has found that waiting lists outside Dublin are the highest in Europe at up to two years. This is unacceptable and action needs to be taken to ensure that those seeking treatment for heroin addiction will have access to the necessary services without undue delay.”

ENDS