Sinn Fein Press Release
Adams launches Sinn Fein drugs policy
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams speaking at today's launch of the party's drugs policy: Empowering Communities - A Sinn Fein response to the drugs epidemic said:
``Twenty years of neglect by successive governments in Dublin has led to a drugs epidemic. Communities most effected by the drugs scourge are those suffering the highest degree of social exclusion and levels of poverty, unemployment and deprivation.
``The state and its agencies failed those communities and in many instances vilified community activists who were seeking to rid these areas of this scourge of drugs. In response to a deteriorating situation communities are mobilising again. And they should be encouraged and applauded for their courage in taking up this challenge. This time local people and local knowledge must be fully involved as part of the necessary strategy to tackle the drug problem.
``We need an integrated strategy built on a partnership between communities, the state agencies, including the Gardaí, voluntary groups and political representatives. This partnership must include education for parents and children about the scale of the problem, as well as the dangers. ``It must also involve prioritising proper and effective treatment for drug addicts. This has to comprise counselling, rehabilitation, training and employment. The individual elements of a treatment programme, detox, methadone maintenance, residential stabilisation and rehabilitation need to be integrated.
``It is criminal that there are only 30 detox beds in the whole of the 26 Counties. In addition, the Gardaí, the Revenue Commissioners and the Customs Service must combine their efforts in targeting the criminal bosses who are making vast amounts of money out of this deadly trade. ``All of this and much more are outlined in our detailed proposals. These are essential when set against a backdrop of a conservative figure of 5 - 7,000 intravenous drug users and many more smoking heroin in Dublin alone. There are also thousands more using ecstasy, LSD and other drugs.
``Sinn Fein believes that a national forum should be convened to co-ordinate the experience and the energy, which already exists, with research and policy decisions. It should draw up a national response to this epidemic. Above all the mistakes of the 1980's must not be repeated. A partnership between all of those who oppose this lethal trade is the best hope that beleaguered communities and frightened parents can have for the future.''
``The launch of today's document is further evidence of Sinn Fein's commitment to tackling the drugs crisis in Ireland.''