c/o Health Service Executive
Block 4
Central Business Park
Clonminch, Tullamore
Co. Offaly
Tel: 057 935 7928
Fax: 057 935 7823
Email: mrdtf@hse.ie

News and Updates

HSE launches drug awareness campaign B

(July 2010)

The HSE has unveiled a new national campaign on the dangers of legal and illegal drugs. The campaign, which was launched today by the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs; Pat Carey, T.D. is entitled ‘Legal or illegal highs - they’re anything but safe’. The campaign is seeking to raise awareness of the dangers and significant negative mental and physical health effects that can be caused by these psychoactive substances.

Along with recent legislation introduced by the Government prohibiting the sale or supply of psychoactive substances, this public awareness campaign forms an important part of tackling what has become a serious public health issue.

The campaign features a number of important messages which illustrate the ill-effects that can be caused by these substances. Legal or illegal highs can cause paranoia; impotence; kidney failure; heart problems; seizures, death or make you act like a fool - they’re anything but safe. These messages will feature on radio ads, in cinemas, washrooms in bars and clubs and at festivals over the summer.

The website www.drugs.ie has been updated to include new information in relation to the campaign and legal and illegal highs including information resources for young people and parents/guardians. The HSE Drugs Helpline on 1800 459 459 is also available to support the campaign.

Launching the HSE Drugs Awareness campaign, the Minister for Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, T.D. commented; “Since my appointment as Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, I have been working with my colleagues in Government to address the issue of headshops and the psychoactive substances they sell. This Campaign forms an important element in the Government's multi-pronged approach targeting the activities of head shops. By educating the people of the dangers of these substances and providing accurate and factual information, they will be in a better position to really consider the risks factors associated with the consumption of these substances and thus inform their actions.”

Alice O’Flynn, HSE Assistant National Director for Social Inclusion, said; “The risks to people’s mental and physical health as a result of taking these substances is very real. Changes in legislation have helped to limit the sale and supply of these substances however, there are always other means by which young people will come into contact with drugs – whether through friends or online.

This is part of a multi-pronged approach to tackling this issue which is putting young people at risk and causing anxiety to families throughout the country. As part of this, the HSE has an important role to play in informing the public about the risks around legal and illegal highs. This campaign lets young people and parents know that legal or illegal highs are anything but safe and provides important information for them in relation to these substances. We want to ensure that the information and supports are available also to parents to help them understand the dangers associated with legal and illegal drugs and how they might encourage and support their teenagers to avoid them."

‘Legal or illegal highs’ and ‘head shop or herbal highs’ are names given to psychoactive substances (drugs) that are on sale in Ireland through shops that sell drug-related products (head shops, hemp shop) or over the internet. These drugs are sold as alternatives to drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, amphetamines and heroin.

There are several hundred types of these drugs available which include:
• sedatives (downers) e.g. spice, smoke, smoke plus
• stimulants (uppers) e.g. mephedrone, snow, blow
• hallucinogens (trips) e.g. trip to night
• aphrodisiacs (sexual stimulants) e.g. volcanic capsule, spun, Spanish fly

Some are herbal, meaning they come from a plant. Others are synthetic, meaning they are man-made from chemicals. Most are a mixture of both herbal and synthetic products.

These drugs are all psychoactive substances, which act on the central nervous system and alter how you think, feel and behave. As an adult there are a number of steps you can take to help protect young people.

Parents/guardians can inform themselves by checking out trusted sources of information such as the website www.drugs.ie, by attending information events or calling the HSE Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459. Parents are encouraged to talk to young people and share the information you have with them, discuss the dangers for their long-term health and well-being. If parents do this their children can make choices based on the facts, and an understanding of the actual dangers to physical and mental health.

· Know the facts about drugs
· Monitor credit card transactions if you fear your children may be buying drugs
· online
· Be responsible for their safety; know where a young person is going when they leave the
· house and who they are with
· Be around and awake when a young person comes home or where possible collect them from events
· Discuss drugs openly
· Be around to listen – talk to them about the issues and dangers of legal or illegal highs
· Be assertive –saying ‘no’ is ok if you believe a situation is not suitable
· Watch out for side-effects and know your young person
· Be the parent, they have lots of friends

The HSE National Drug Awareness Campaign will tie in with initiatives at community level co-ordinated by the local and regional Drugs Task Forces.

Visit: www.drugs.ie

Call: HSE Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459

Capital Premises Fund 2010

(May 2010)

Applications are invited for funding under the Dept. Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Capital Premises Fund 2010. Projects eligible to apply for this fund are Community and Voluntary agencies which focus on the delivery of drugs based services which are aimed at drug users (including poly-drug users), former drug users, recovering drug users and their families.

This funding, intended for small-scale once-off projects, is in respect of small refurbishment works and/or the purchase of equipment. Please find below the Capital Premises Fund 2010 application form and guidelines.

Completed applications should be returned by email to mrdtf@hse.ie with a signed copy to follow by post to Nicola Corrigan, Midland Regional Drugs Task Force, c/o HSE, Block 4, Central Business Park, Clonminch, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 26th May at 4pm. For further information please contact Nicola on 057 9357928 or on mrdtf@hse.ie

Download Capital Premises Fund 2010 Application form 
Download Capital Premises Fund 2010 guidelines

Close to Home: A Study on the Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol in the Midland Region

(April 2010)

Under the Governments National Drug Strategy 2001–2008 the Midland Regional Drugs Task Force (MRDTF) is one of ten set up across the country. The role of the MRDTF is to research, develop, implement and monitor a co-ordinated response to illicit drug use in the midland region (Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly).

The membership of the MRDTF reflects a county interagency collaboration that includes statutory and voluntary organisations, community groups and specific interest groups. The MRDTF receives its funding from the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.

One of the aims of the MRDTF is to identify and address gaps in service provision, having regard to evidence available on the extent and specific locations of illicit drug use in the midland region. In 2008 the MRDTF commissioned the Health Research Board to conduct a research study entitled ‘Close to Home, A Study on the Misuse of Drugs And Alcohol in the Midland Region’.

The research report is being officially launched on Friday the 7th May at 10am in the Athlone Springs Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath by Pat Carey T.D., Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The report explores the perceptions of and responses to ‘community drug problems’ within the counties of Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly. The report identifies factors contributing to the drug related issues at a community level with the identified areas, details current drug service provision and identifies gaps in service delivery.
ew psychoactive substances, commonly referred to as “legal highs”, as currently available from headshops or through internet providers, are dangerous to the health of users.

"Legal highs" are dangerous

(March 2010)
d
New psychoactive substances, commonly referred to as “legal highs”, as currently available from headshops or through internet providers, are dangerous to the health of users.

The fact that such products are not yet illegal does not in any way imply that they are safe. They are untested, with the effects on users being the main source of information on them. These effects differ, but many people have had serious reactions to these products and medical personnel have repeatedly stressed the dangers involved, based on the cases they have encountered.

The Government will introduce controls on various new psychoactive substances in June, following a required referral process to the EU. These controls will make it illegal to sell or possess these substances and offences will be subject to criminal sanctions.

Request for tender for evaluation and roadmap consultancy assignment

(February 2010)

The MRDTF wish to engage a Consultant/firm of Consultants to evaluate current activity funded through the Task Force, and to develop a roadmap for future targeted funding over the next 3 years in correspondence with the identified pillars of the Interim National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 and in relation to potential reorientation of services.

Click here for further information on the tender
Click here for mrdtf project details

Minister curran responding to headshop threat

(January 2010)

Issued by the Press & Information Office at the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

Small grant scheme 2009

(October 2009)
The Midland Regional Drugs Task Force now invite applications for funding under the Small Grant Scheme 2009 from suitably qualified and experienced agencies for the following initiatives:  

 The grant is directed towards services working with youth and community groups in the Region this may include youth services, community groups, youth clubs, resident associations, VECs, Arts Officers, local sports partnerships, Dept of Arts, Sports and Tourism, Schools etc.

1. Resource and Training Grant 

Community, Voluntary and Statutory agencies can apply for a resource grant to purchase education and prevention resources focusing on the area of substance misuse.  This grant is directed towards agencies working with youth and community groups in the region this may include Youth Services, community Groups, VEC, local sports partnerships etc.

 All resources are in line with best practice in the area of drug and alcohol education and prevention.  A list of all resources is available which details information about each particular resource, the target group and activities associated with the particular resource. 

TheMRDTF through the Education Co-ordinator and HSE Health Promotion will be delivering a training workshop(s) on the various resources to each successful applicant. 

 2. Peer Education Initiative

Statutory agencies to include secondary schools, Youthreach, VEC, FAS can apply to attend a one day training workshop focusing on the area of peer alcohol/drugs education. 

The aim of this particular workshop is to provide training which will enable the applicant to develop and deliver peer drug/alcohol education programmes to the target group which is 12-18 years. 

TACADE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education for Children and Young People) will be delivering the workshop.  In line with attending the one day workshop all participants will receive a resource pack which will support them to facilitate peer education programme.

Click here for Small Grant Scheme 2009 application form
Click here for Terms and conditions: Resource and training grant
Click here for Terms and conditions: Peer education initiative
Click here for Resource list for resource and training grant 

Completed application forms to be sent to Lynn Farrell, Midland Regional Drug Task Force, c/o Health Service Executive, Block 4, Central Business Park, Clonminch, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday the 23^rd October 2009.

The Midland Regional Drug Task Force is funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

curran meets with MRDTF

(September 2009)
Today (30/09/09), Minister of State John Curran T.D. met with representatives of the Midlands Regional Drugs Task Force in Mullingar, Co.Westmeath.

Speaking after the meeting the Minister commented; “I think it’s really important to meet with Drugs Task Force representatives as regularly as possible – it is encouraging to see the amount of work being carried out on the ground across the Midlands Regional Drugs Task Force and I am delighted that my Department continues to support the Drugs Task Force – this year I have allocated approximately €900,000 to implement a range of programmes covering family support, education, youth programmes and harm reduction”.

In May of this year, the Minister formally launched the Midlands Regional Drugs Task Force Dial-to-Stop Drug Dealing Campaigns. Speaking today the Minister of State said:
“I am delighted that theMidlands campaign has been a success and I congratulate all involved in the campaign. The overall campaign was originally due to cease operation this month but due to the positive outcomes being achieved, I have decided to extend the campaign. The initiative, which has received continued support from An Garda Síochána, will be supported with additional funding from my Department”.
He continued; “The initiative has proven its worth and merits the praise it has received. The information received has led to seizures and will ultimately lead to prosecutions. It has also corroborated existing intelligence with regard to individuals and organised criminal networks”.

Issued by the Press & Information Office at the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

tAOISEACH LAUNCHES NEW NDS 2009 - 2016

(September 2009)
An Taoiseach Brian Cowan T.D. today (10/09/09) launched a new National Drugs Strategy to cover the period 2009-2016. He was accompanied at the launch by John Curran, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy.

The overall objective of the new Strategy, which was finalised by Minister Curran following an extensive consultation process, is to continue to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five “pillars” of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.

Despite the successes achieved in recent years, the Taoiseach acknowledged that problem drug use continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing our country. “Very significant progress has been made under the previous Strategy, but the drugs problem continues to evolve and to throw up new challenges.” he said.

Mr. Cowen continued, “Real partnership has been evident across the initiatives of the National Drugs Strategy at national, regional and local level. This partnership across the community, voluntary and statutory sectors will be deepened further over the coming years.” He went on to acknowledge the role of Regional and Local Drugs Task Forces and added. “I pay tribute to the continued efforts of those working in, and supporting, drug projects in local communities and I acknowledge the huge contribution made by the community and voluntary sectors in this work.”
The Taoiseach stressed the need to get across a strong prevention message to our young people so that experimentation with drugs is avoided. In regard to rehabilitation he said “At this stage in the development of our drugs policies, it is vital that we seek out the potential in people for rehabilitation and strive to provide the circumstances in which such potential is most likely to be realised”.
Minister Curran said that “problem substance use can only be effectively tackled through a whole of society approach that challenges our perceptions”. He identified the need for drug users, particularly those who see themselves as “so called recreational drug users”, to take a hard look at themselves - not only at the health and societal costs for themselves, but also at the costs inflicted on other people, particularly those in the communities most afflicted by gangland activity associated with the supply of drugs”.

Minister of State Curran referred to the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Drugs which began operation on 1st September “The new OMD will streamline service administration and further improve co-ordination across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors. This will facilitate me, as Minister of State who is given responsibility by Government for the National Drugs Strategy, to effectively fulfill that role. It will also provide robust assurances in regard to governance and accountability that are so important in times of limited resources to ensure that value for money is being achieved”.

Mr. Curran also referred to the broader Substance Misuse Strategy that the Government has agreed should be developed to include alcohol and drugs. “I had been to the forefront in calling for such a joined-up approach and I very much welcome this development. We have the drugs element in place now and I intend to push on with the speedy finalisation of the expanded Strategy” he said.

At the launch, as well as signalling the continuation of the successful “Dial to Stop Drugs” campaign, Minister of State Curran announced that he has allocated capital funding of €1.1 million towards the development by the HSE of drug treatment clinics in Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Enniscorthy, Drogheda and Dundalk to better address the needs arising. He also revealed that the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union have agreed a plan, supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, to roll out needle exchange services through Community Pharmacies in 65 new locations. “It is heartening to see a public figure like Elton John being involved in such work and I thank him and the Foundation for their support for this initiative in Ireland” he said.

Minister or State Curran added “I am determined to tackle the issue of problem substance use over the coming years and I believe the new National Drugs Strategy will facilitate this. Targeted actions across the pillars of the Strategy, with named agencies allocated responsibility for each, are included in the Strategy and it is intended to develop an overall performance management framework to monitor and assess progress”.

“The problems are major and resources may be scarce, but I look forward to working with my colleagues in other Departments and Agencies, and in partnership across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, to ensure that real and lasting progress is made over the lifetime of the new National Drugs Strategy for the benefit of individuals, their families and their communities” he concluded.

Issued by the Press & Information Office at the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

Click here for the National Drug Strategy 2009 - 2016 (Interim)

Capital premises fund 2009

(July - August 2009)

The Midland Regional Drugs Task Force on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs invite applications for the 2009 Capital Premises Fund. The purpose of this funding is to meet identified emerging "once off" capital needs for small scale projects in the Midlands area where voluntary and community based drugs services are being delivered. The Midland Regional Drugs Task Force covers the areas of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.

The focus is on necessary small refurbishment works and the purchase of essential equipment, which have a significant benefit and impact at community level, or are essential to comply with health and safety regulations.

A funding maximum of €25,000 is available per Task Force and all projects must be in a position to draw down the funding before the end of 2009. Projects not completed and drawn down by the end of 2009 will not be accommodated in 2010. The funding is strictly for 2009.

In order to apply for the Capital Premises fund the application form must be completed in full with all supporting documentation submitted with the application form. A one page summary document on the service provided including the numbers of clients benefiting with a clear summary of costs must be submitted by the project with the application.

The closing date for applications is the 14th August 2009 at 5pm.

If you have any further queries in relation to the Capital Premises Fund please contact Lynn Farrell, Development Worker, Midland Regional Drugs Task Force, 057 93 57830/ 086 603 2930 mrdtf@hse.ie

Capital premises fund 2009 application form
Capital premises fund 2009 guidelines
Acknowledgement of DCRGA funding

Curran welcomes banning of benzylpiperazine (bzp)

(April 2009)

John Curran T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy welcomed the Government decision to ban benzylpiperazine (BZP). This arose from an EU Council Decision which defined BZP as a new psychoactive substance made subject to control measures and criminal provisions

Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is a synthetic psychotropic (mood affecting) substance, which can cause elevated heartbeat, raised blood pressure, agitation and hyperactivity. BZP may be sold as ecstasy under the street name of ‘Legal E’, ‘Legal X’ ‘XTC’, ‘A2’ , ‘piperazine’, or ‘party pills’.

“I very much welcome the inclusion of BZP as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. BZP is a mood affecting substance, which is a recognised risk to health and has no medicinal benefit. I am concerned about other substances on sale, sometimes known as ‘legal highs’, and in the coming months I will be assessing the need for controls on these products.”

Minister Curran added: “The expert advice available to me suggests that some of these products are a gateway into further drug use and potential addiction. I am determined to tackle this issue of these dangerous substances being on sale and available to our young people in particular.”

Issued by the Press & Information Office at the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
Eisithe ag Oifig Preasa & Eolais na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta.
Tel/Teil: 01 647 3130 Fax/Facs: 01 667 0826 087 7956378
Email / Ríomhphost: eolas@pobail.ie Web/Gréasán: www.pobail.ie

Alcohol and drugs to be joined in a national substance misuse strategy - curran

(March 2009)

Today the Government approved a combined substance misuse policy to include alcohol and drugs. This proposal was brought to Government by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Health & Children.
Speaking today, John Curran T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, welcomed the initiative, stating:
“I am delighted that Government has approved this combined approach to drugs and alcohol. A combined strategy will facilitate a more coherent approach to the issues and consequences of alcohol and illicit drug use, including addictive behaviours. We cannot continue to look at these problems in isolation. The time has come for more joined-up thinking”.
The Minister is currently overseeing the development of a new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009-2016. Commenting on this process Minister Curran said:
“Throughout the consultation process for the new National Drugs Strategy, the issue of problem alcohol use was highlighted. Alcohol is seen, for many, as a gateway to illicit drug use and poly-drug use, often including alcohol, is now the norm among illicit drug users. People also have serious concerns in relation to the high level of alcohol consumption in Ireland, the pattern of drinking, especially binge drinking among young people and in the community generally, and the wider social harms which are associated with the misuse of alcohol.”
Details regarding the new approach will be discussed over the coming weeks in the context of completing a National Substance Misuse Strategy.

Issued by the Press & Information Office at the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
Eisithe ag Oifig Preasa & Eolais na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta.
Tel/Teil: 01 647 3130 Fax/Facs: 01 667 0826 087 7956378
Email / Ríomhphost: eolas@pobail.ie Web/Gréasán: www.pobail.ie

Small Grant Scheme 2008

(July 2008)

The Midland Regional Drugs Task Force is pleased to announce that funding of €34, 450 has been granted to fourteen groups in the midlands under the Small Grant Scheme 2008.

The focus of the Small Grant Scheme 2008 was services working with young people under the age of 18 who provide creative/recreational activities and information awareness programmes in the region. The scheme was centred on bringing together young people and providing them with evidence based programmes that raise awareness of the issues of substance misuse in an age appropriate way in line with the Midland Regional Drug Taskforce Action Plan 2006 – 2008.

New Minister of State

(June 2008)

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs have announced John Curran TD as the new Minister of State with special responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs.

Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund

(March 2008)

Pat Carey T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, today announced that he is expanding the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) to four new locations.

The YPFSF assists in the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop.  It aims to attract “at risk” young people (10-21 year olds) into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse.

The focus of the Fund, to date, has been on the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces areas (12 in Dublin, Bray and Cork), as well as Limerick, Waterford, Carlow and Galway. The additional four areas being announced today by the Minister are Athlone, Dundalk, Wexford and Arklow.

Since the beginning of the Fund, approximately €147m has been approved to support a broad range of projects covering both capital costs and annual current funding. In addition, Minister Carey recently announced a further €4m will be made available in 2008 for the development of further facilities in the existing areas.
The four new towns have been identified as among the urban areas of greatest need based on treatment numbers, seizures of heroin and cocaine and a number of other indicators of socio-economic disadvantage.   The inclusion of these areas is the first step on the way to further coverage under the Fund, with potential expansion to other areas over the next few years. 

Minister Carey said today: “I believe that one of the most effective strategies to prevent problem drug use is to ensure that young people have alternatives in their lives - sport and recreational opportunities for example.  In such settings, with the energetic help of those organising the activities, young people have the chance to get involved in alternative pursuits where they can express themselves and be supported generally in a way that can improve their lives. Such thinking informed the commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to expand the number of  facilities and services in existing areas  and also to expand the Fund to new  areas which I’m announcing today”.  

“As young people represent the future of our country, investment in their personal and social development represents investment in the future” the Minister added.
“I am arranging for my officials, along with the other members of the Fund’s National Assessment Committee to develop the necessary structures in each of the four areas to roll out the Fund in the coming months.   I would expect allocations to the four areas to be made in the autumn once worthwhile projects on the ground have been identified” the Minister concluded.

The Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund was established in 1998 as part of the Government’s overall strategy to tackle drug misuse.  The Fund aims to assist in the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop.  The objective of the Fund is to attract “at risk” young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse.  The target group for the Fund are 10-21 year olds who are marginalized through a combination of risk factors relating to family background, environmental circumstances, educational disadvantage, involvement in crime and/or drugs, etc.