Ireland cannot afford a failed drugs strategy.

She was referring to concerns raised last week by the voluntary drug service, Merchants Quay Ireland, that the funding by a charity of a Government-led drug programme to establish needle exchange services across the country raises serious questions about future drug funding.

Deputy Byrne said reports from Merchants Quay Ireland of an escalation in the heroin crisis raise the prospect of a decade of social problems if the crisis cannot be brought under control.  At the same time fears are growing about the lack of commitment to resources in the National Drugs Strategy, she said.

Source: Lloyd Mudiwa, Irish Medical News, 07/10/2009