...Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív: According to a recent report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ireland is the fourth highest consumer of cocaine globally. This brings a risk of violence, as drug gangs compete for growing markets. According to the report, 2.4% of Irish people reported using cocaine in the past year. Only the Netherlands, Australia and Spain reported higher levels of cocaine use. In parallel, there is also a huge increase in the use of crack cocaine. It is fair to say drug use is now prevalent across all classes of society and in all regions of the country. Use of drugs leads to violence, including domestic violence, breakdown in relationships, mental health issues etc. Does the Taoiseach agree that the Government needs a new, more comprehensive and co-ordinated strategy to tackle this national scourge through education, crime prevention, elimination of drug trafficking and health support for those affected by drug abuse? 

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton): I have responsibility for the national drug strategy. We have established a citizens' assembly, which will meet in April and report back to the Oireachtas by the end of the year. In Government, we have a health-led approach to drug addiction, trying to reduce harm and examining every aspect, such as the areas Deputy Ó Cuív raised, in how we deal with drug addiction and use in Ireland. We must look at best international practice in this area. Experts will address the citizens' assembly. We must make sure the assembly examines all aspects such as criminality, how we deal with helping people in rehabilitation, the health-led approach, as well as the criminal aspects. We look forward to that important deliberative process which will take place over the next few months....