RANDOM roadside drug-testing of motorists should be implemented as soon as is technically and legally possible, according to the new National Drugs Strategy to be published today.
The authors of the report say procedures need to be developed to ensure driving under the influence of drugs is treated in the same way as driving under the influence of alcohol.
The strategy, which covers the period 2009-2016, also recommends all drivers involved in fatal road crashes should be tested to ascertain the level of drugs they may have had in their system.
The report makes 63 recommendations, ranging from monitoring the activities of “headshops” to a review of the operation and effectiveness of drug courts.
It also sets out new targets to ensure a reduction in supply of drugs and to ensure those needing treatment are seen more quickly. The targets include a 25 per cent increase in the number of supply detection cases by 2016 over 2008 figures and a 25 per cent increase in the volume of drugs seized by 2016. It also wants 20 local policing forums established and operating by 2012.
It seeks to ensure all problem drug users can access treatment within one month of assessment by 2012; all problem drug users under 18 access treatment within one week of assessment by 2012; a 25 per cent rise in residential rehabilitation places by 2012; and a reduction in early school leaving figures from 11.5 per cent in 2007 to 10 per cent by 2012.
The strategy, which says there is public concern about cocaine use, deals with alcohol abuse for the first time, with a chapter devoted to the extent of alcohol abuse in the State, its harmful effects and the need to delay the age of first drinking and the extent of binge- drinking. It says alcohol is seen as a gateway to illicit drug use.
The report calls for greater enforcement strategies to ensure compliance with the prohibition on the sale of alcohol to people under 18, as well as giving consideration to more reforms of the licensing laws to combat the sale of alcohol to such people.
Other recommendations include ensuring substance use policies are implemented in all schools; expanding access to detox facilities and methadone services; developing national training standards for all involved in the provision of substance misuse service; including comprehensive coverage of problem substance issues in doctor training; establishing an office of the Minister for Drugs; increased security to eliminate supply of drugs in prisons; and having a framework to tackle intimidation in some communities.
The office of the Minister for Drugs has been established and the Taoiseach will launch the strategy today. However, it is likely there will be concern about the ability of Minister for Drugs John Curran to implement the strategy in the current economic climate.
The authors say while they are conscious of changing economic circumstances, “keeping focus and maintaining momentum on the priorities identified is considered vital if Ireland is to continue to tackle the major challenge of drug misuse over the next eight years”.