A campaign which will target nightclubs in an attempt to reduce the harm from using drugs is to be launched tomorrow. The pilot programme is a joint Eastern Health Board/Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Drugs Task Force initiative. It is being run in conjunction with up to 50 clubs.
It will adopt a harm reduction approach - the aim of which is to minimise harm rather than prevent use - in relation to "dance drugs" such as ecstasy (XTC) and speed (amphetamine).
Mr Stephen Harding of the EHB says the campaign does not encourage or condone drug use.
"We would prefer if people didn't use drugs. However, because so many thousands of people choose to use drugs every week our priority then focuses to ensuring they come to as little harm as possible."
Mr Jim Ryan of the task force said he respected that club owners did not want drugs on their premises, but many people took drugs before they entered.
According to Mr Ryan, the programme will "explore attitudes to drug taking practices to help inform and decide club policies as well as the training needs of club staff".
Mr Harding said the programme is based on similar campaigns in Britain, where club policies cover areas such as security, overcrowding, air conditioning, first aid training for staff, availability of drinking water and information and advice.
Dr Des Corrigan of the School of Pharmacy in Trinity College Dublin is one of the originators.
"Because most of the deaths from ecstasy occur due to heat stroke, harm reduction will help keep people alive. You've got to provide that information."