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17/07/2002
Courtney expresses alarm at drugs survey finding
SDLP Health spokesperson Annie Courtney has spoken of her concerns at the level of drug abuse amongst the province's young people, following the publication of a survey on the issue by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).
Ms Courtney described the findings of the survey - which saw the USI quiz students at colleges across Ireland – as providing "cause for alarm".
She said: "The finding that 51% of Irish third level students have used illegal drugs demands attention from government, educators and interested agencies. Particularly worrying is the finding that two-thirds of those using illegal drugs started them at school. The revelation that 9% of students have used ecstasy and 2% cocaine should alarm every concerned person in our society."
She continued: "this report demonstrates the requirement for proper education of young people about the effects and dangers of drug use. It reinforces the need for a multi-agency approach, involving educators, health services and other agencies to deal with this growing problem. The young people of Ireland deserve every protection we can afford them". (CL)
Ms Courtney described the findings of the survey - which saw the USI quiz students at colleges across Ireland – as providing "cause for alarm".
She said: "The finding that 51% of Irish third level students have used illegal drugs demands attention from government, educators and interested agencies. Particularly worrying is the finding that two-thirds of those using illegal drugs started them at school. The revelation that 9% of students have used ecstasy and 2% cocaine should alarm every concerned person in our society."
She continued: "this report demonstrates the requirement for proper education of young people about the effects and dangers of drug use. It reinforces the need for a multi-agency approach, involving educators, health services and other agencies to deal with this growing problem. The young people of Ireland deserve every protection we can afford them". (CL)
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