1996/99
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DEALERS TARGETING WEST TOWNS, HEALTH BOARD WARNED
4 February 1998
Regions disco's should be monitored for drugs!
By Tom Shiel
THE WESTERN Health Board, which has been blamed for "a totally inadequate" response to the drugs problem, is sticking by its claim there aren't a significant number of abusers in the region.
However, Mr. Seamus Mannion, Board Programme Manager, has agreed there is merit in a suggestion that Board personnel monitor discos throughout Mayo, Galway and Roscommon for possible signs of drugs misuse amongst patrons.
Mr. Mannion presented a Report to this week's Board meeting about drug trends which suggested there wasn't a serious problem in the west.
Cannabis was the most frequently abused substance and there were only 11 returns from the Board area to the National Drug Treatment reporting system, 0.2 per cent of the total.
However, many Board members rejected the figures provided. Councillor Joe Burke (Galway) stated: "We should take the matter extremely seriously . I don't believe the figures. They are understated".
SUPPLIER
Councillor Burke brought a Connaught Telegraph court report (Page 5 -Jan 28th) to the attention of the Board about a drugs dealer who admitted supplying ecstasy, speed, cannabis and LSD through Counties Galway and Mayo.
The man, who appeared at Galway District Court, did not receive a jail term. He admitted to being in possession of almost 200 ecstasy tablets for distribution in Ballina and Castlebar.
Councillor Burke commented he was in no doubt there was a market for drugs in regional towns such as Castlebar, Ballina, Tuam, Roscommon and Ballinasloe and suggested the Board work closely with the Gardai and other agencies.
Roscommon Board member, Senator Denis Naughten referred to cocaine and said dealers were leaving Dublin to service the market in smaller towns.
INADEQUATE
Galway Board member, Martin McHugh said it appeared the Board did not have complete knowledge of the extent of the problem and its response was "totally inadequate". Mr. McHugh used an analogy of the Titanic - it seemed clear water but there could be icebergs ahead.
However, several Board members disagreed.
Dr. Diarmuid McLoughlin (Swinford) said he had not evidence to indicate that drugs were a problem in his area. He did not think the situation was as bad in rural areas as had been painted.
Dr. Fidelma Creaven (Mayo) welcomed the Board's Report. She said there was a very small trickle of persons presenting with problems relating to opiate abuse.
Dr. Creaven explained there was not a serious problem yet but that could change. The initial response to the situation was important. Dr. Creaven called for a planned reaction rather than on an ad-hoc basis.
DISAPPOINTED
Another Mayo board member, Dorothy McKane , MPSI, Ballina, referred to a joint venture in Ballina- an evening which had been dedicated for parents and children who might be at risk. They had been very disappointed with the turnout. Parents were probably afraid to come to the school in case it was felt they had a problem.
Dr. McKane suggested a confidential phone line might be useful.
Councillor Padraig Cosgrove (Mayo) welcomed the Report but claimed it was "limited". He would like to see the abuse of alcohol separated from the use of unprescribed drugs. He described this as a "devious tactic" sometimes used by those who advocated the legalisation of cannabis.
Responding to points raised by Board members, Programme Manager, Mr. Seamus Mannion said the Board's drug co-ordinator would talk to parent groups and go to schools. And he perceived that Drugs Outreach Workers would visit centres where young people socialised.
Mr. Mannion agreed that drugs were not simply an urban problem but felt the whole had to be put into perspective- compared to alcohol drugs were not a significant problem.
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - February 1998
