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EXk`feXc8[m`jfip:fdd`kk\\fe;il^j E8:; NACD Annual Report 2006 The NACD has undertaken to: The NACD hasundertaken Mission: misuse. todrug Irishpolicyinrelation thatinform To efforts allknowledgerelated for anationalfocus provide Vision: n n n n n n The NACD will: The NACD programme. ofitswork valueswould agreed thatthefollowing guide theimplementation Values: n n n n n n n n information and other data thus linking research to practice. topractice. thuslinkingresearch andotherdata information findings, disseminationofresearch aneffective for activitiesinproviding alldrugmisusereduction Serve ofresearch; andanalysis oftimelydata theprovision misuse through reducing thehealth,socialandeconomicconsequencesofdrug theGovernmentinsignificantly Support dissemination offindings; andmaximisingtheuseofresources; efforts coordinating research inallitsapproaches drugmisuseinIreland; andcontinuousimprovement totackling services operate with everyone who can benefit from itsknowledgebase. from whocanbenefit witheveryone operate 2001-2008; National DrugsStrategy Ireland; Seek out collaborations and partnerships where there is greater benefit to achieving itsgoalandco- toachieving benefit isgreater there where andpartnerships Seek outcollaborations andethicalconduct; ofexcellence Commit tothehighestpossiblestandards inlinewithitscommitmentto the Be objectiveinthecollectionanddisseminationofinformation ofdrugmisusein onandexperiences views dialogueasameansofbalancingthediverse Advocate inallitsoperations; dignity, andfairness ofrespect, aculture transparency Foster andcommittoaconsensusapproach indecision-making; ofitsmembership Manage thediversity research needsand its infulfilling ofparties range nationallyofabroad participation Ensure andresources; research agenciesnationallyinordertoco-ordinate Liaise withtherelevant Centre; ofaNationalDocumentation theestablishment Support advice, Work closelywiththeAlcohol andDrugResearchUnitoftheHealth ResearchBoard,providing of formulation, development for policy forms thebasis research scientific from thatevidence Ensure research; through itsknowledgebase,identifyinggapswhichcanbeaddressed Review NACD Annual Report 2006 

+353 1 667 0760 www.nacd.ie +353 1 667 0765 +353 1 667 0828 [email protected]

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel: 3rd Floor, Shelbourne House, Shelbourne Road, Web: Fax: Email:

5.00 e Dublin PRN A7/2204 ISBN: 978-1-4064-2104-0 Designed by First Impression 4-5 Harcourt Dublin 2, Road, To be purchased directly be from the To Published by the Stationery Office Government Publications Sales Office,Government Publications (Tel: 01-6476834/35/36/37; Fax: 01-4752760) (Tel: © National Advisory Committee on Drugs 2007 Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, or by mail order from Government Publications, Postal Trade Section, or by mail order from Publications, Postal Government Trade NACD Annual Report 2006  Work Programme Internal Research Structures 2. Structures,ResearchandInternalWork Programme Functions Origins 1. BackgroundandFunctions oftheNACD ofTerms Glossary Executive Summary Report Chairperson’s Foreword CONTENTS (FOI) ofInformation Freedom Balanced Scorecard Changesin2006 Staff Work Other Internal ResearchProjects Internal Managing Research Working Examples ofCollaborative Collaboration Groups Research Advisory The Process Commissioned Research Terms ofReference ofNACD andSub-Committees/Meetings Work Programme Sub-Committees The NACD 18 18 17 17 15 12 12 11 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 NACD Annual Report 2006  26 28 30 19 20 21 22 22 23 25 25 19 20 25 Appendix 3 under the National Drugs StrategyActions Required of the NACD Table of Sub-Committee Membership at 31st December 2006 Table Membership Committee at 31st December 2006 NACD of Appendix 2 Appendix 1 5. Finance Research – Funding Allocations 4. Communications Media Relations Advice to Government Website NACD Seminars hosted by NACD Presentations to Key Audiences Expenditure NACD SummaryKey Publications of 3. Publications NACD Annual Report 2006  recommendations that are nowbeingpursued. thatare recommendations worthwhile cocaine inoursocietyanddeveloped of oftheproblem deepened ourunderstanding 2006.This onDrugs(IDG)inSeptember Group Team, totheInter-Departmental whichwaspresented withtheNationalDrugStrategy on Cocaine,prepared ofwhichwastheirBriefingPaper 2006, anexample in contribution theymadetopolicyformulation pleasedtoacknowledgethe Iamvery in Ireland. druguse andconsequencesofproblem treatment prevention, toprevalence, Government inrelation role ofadvising theimportant The NACD fulfils area. and complex policyinthisdifficult ofevidence-based formulation the tofacilitate andinformation good qualitydata thattheGovernmentplacesonhaving importance the pillarclearlyreflects asaseparate research of 2001–2008.Therecognition Drugs Strategy oftheNational Research isoneofthefivepillars heretofore. presented reports thebiennialprogress from format achangein represents (NACD). TheAnnualReport onDrugs Committee of theNationalAdvisory report annual towelcomethefirst I amdelighted FOREWORD produced to date is all the richer for theinputand isall the richerfor todate produced andthebodyofwork system basedcommittee broad duetoits ThesuccessoftheNACD islargely sectors. thevarious across from shown bytheNACD members Ialsowanttoacknowledgethecommitment date. to manner inwhichtheyhavecarriedouttheirwork andprofessional theefficient Lyons, for Mairéad DrDesCorrigananditsDirector its Chairperson inparticular theCommittee, I wanttocongratulate October 2007 theNationalDrugsStrategy for with responsibility ofState Minister TD Pat Carey progress. in currently ofthestudiesthatare to seeingtheresults I wishtheNACD andIlookforward wellinthefuture appreciated. ismuch personnel, andadministrative the research oftheNACD,various sub-committees aswell of,orengagement with,the membership through Theinputofallwho contributed sub-committees. onthevarious represented ofthesectors expertise

NACD Annual Report 2006 

NACD membersNACD and co-opted experts is crucial. My colleagues and I are particularly grateful to those who have been co-opted to sub-committees and for They strengthen their advice and input. RAGs our work enormously. My colleagues and I are determined to build on the we will successful outcomes of the past year and continue to provide information and advice that is relevant a real and makes contribution to timely, achieving the goals of the National Drugs Strategy. Dr Des Corrigan FPSI Chairperson The successful completion of so much of our workThe successful completion of so much programme is due to her drive and vision. As this and previous Reports demonstrate, has the NACD produced a significant body of relevant work and has, as a result created a reputation component as a key Much of the detailedof the National Drugs Strategy. work is conducted which goes into our publications in the sub-committees and Research Advisory Groups within which the individual expertise(RAGs), of

Lyons. Her energy, commitment and hard work Her energy, areLyons. infectious and I feel privileged through having the opportunity to work with her. of the NACD. In particular I want to express the of the NACD. Mairéad we all feel forappreciation our director, committed expertise of members of the Committee. I thank them all for their enthusiasm, expertise and above all the time they devoted to the work from Government and are testimony of to the input a numerically small but efficient and hard working Secretariat allied to the intensely professional and Reports in 2006. which have appeared and Bulletins our remitThese publications cover all aspects of The hard work of the staff and of the of the NACD Committee’s members is reflected high quality in the The Minister has always been available to us to launch our reports and we are grateful for that public recognition of the work of the NACD. Department Rural and Gaeltacht of Community, Affairs for their continuous support of our work. of State with responsibility for the National Drugs I thank him, his predecessors In doing so, Strategy. and his officials in the Drugs Strategy Unit of the It is my privilege to present this Annual Report on for2006 to the Minister the activities of the NACD port Re ’s person r Chai NACD Annual Report 2006  to publish the first ROSIE Findings from the opiate theopiate ROSIE Findings from to publishthefirst Itwassatisfying occasions toavarietyofforums. onatleast12other andgavepresentations reports research mediabriefings on heldfour seminars, research four andhosted published 10reports functiondeficit,theNACD theresearch Despite in2007. implementation for Workplace DrugTesting andondesigningnewstudies writingapaperon Report, the lastNACD Progress preparing onCocaineuseinIreland, information Dr Teresa onupdating beganwork Whitaker and DrJustineHorgan additional Researchers, advicetoGovernment.Thustwo demands toprovide in-houseandmeetgrowing work to bringmore July. functionexpanded Inaddition,theresearch onthe31st DrGemmaCoxjoinedtheteam before for nearly10months without aResearchOfficer was 2006 wasatoughyearbecausetheCommittee keeping usallfocussed. Corrigan for toDrDes thatIamindebted who mobilisesitandfor oftheNACDintelligence isonlyasgoodtheleader advicetoGovernment.Thecollective and preparing oftheNACD programme implementing thework peryearto of24days givinganaverage in members ceases toamazeme.Thiscommitmentisreflected tothegoalofNACD the NACD never members anddedicationof The commitment,collaboration Executive Summar

y in unemployment and reductions incrime,all in unemploymentandreductions inearlyschoolleaving,reductions improvements actionswhenitdemonstrated intra-organisational and overtimebyinter social issuescanbetackled thatcomplex The CommunityDrugsStudyproved theirdruguse. inhelpingpeoplereduce providers beingdonebythemanyservice work and thegreat intreatment drugusers the successfuloutcomesfor longitudinalstudywhichshowed drug treatment Director Lyons Mairéad makingmyjoba pleasure. tothemallfor grateful Teresa Iamvery andJustineHorgan. Whitaker Jane Trimble, CatherineDarmody, GemmaCox, intheNACD: team AlanGaffney,Mary dedicated ofasmall,very andexcellence the determination without None oftheabovecouldhavebeenachieved key recommendations. aseriesof advicetoGovernmentthrough providing togetherand inbringinginformation the NDST closelywith and theNACD towork wasdelighted Cocaineusecontinuedtobeontheagenda provision. done toincludetheneedsofTravellers inservice needstobe andmore todrugproblems vulnerable Travellersevidence thattheytooare nowhavefirm druguse. toproblematic contributing factors

NACD Annual Report 2006  m s er T y of Voluntary Drug Treatment NetworkVoluntary Drug Treatment Research and Information Group Working Research Outcome Study in Ireland evaluating drug treatment effectiveness University College Dublin Parliamentary Question Research Advisory Group Force Regional Drugs Task Merchants Quay Ireland National Advisory Committee on Drugs National Drugs Strategy Team National University of Ireland Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction CounsellorsIrish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Inter Departmental Group on Drugs Force Local Drugs Task Human Immunodeficiency Virus Health Service Executive Health Research Board Drug Trends Monitoring System Drug Trends Electoral Division Freedom of Information Drug and Alcohol Information Research Unit and Unit of the Health Research Board Alcohol and Drug Research (formerly known as the DMRD) Drug Strategy Unit Comptroller Auditor General and

r a oss

UCD VDTN ROSIE RDTF RIWG PQ RAG NUI NACD NDST MQI IDG LDTF HRB IAAAC HSE FOI HIV DTMS ED DSU ADRU C&AG DAIRU Gl NACD Annual Report 2006  of theNa n n setoutasfollows: were Committee) thefunctionsofNACDOn itsestablishment, (the Functions 2001-2008. National DrugsStrategy the for withresponsibility ofState to theMinister andreports Community, Affairs andGaeltacht Rural of NACD isundertheauspicesofDepartment totheendof2008.The wasrenewed its mandate oftheNACD review anexternal July 2004.Following yearendingin toafourth subsequently extended whichwas years aninitialperiodofthree in 2000for basis The NACDonanon-statutory wasestablished Origins August 2003toDecember2005. covering theperiodsJuly2000to2003and published were reports twoprogress 2006. Previously oftheNACDavailable ontheachievements during tobe information allowingcurrent change informat a onDrugs(NACD)Committee whichrepresents oftheNationalAdvisory report annual This isthefirst Ba One Chapter

sector; the communityandvoluntary available from including howtomaximisetheuseofinformation appropriate, onhowdeficitsshouldbeaddressed as andtomake recommendations, use inIreland drug andconsequencesofproblem treatment prevention, totheprevalence, capacity inrelation To andresearch information current review druguseinIreland; problem and consequences of treatment prevention, totheprevalence, the Government,inrelation it, onSocialInclusionand,through Committee availabletoit,advisethe Cabinet information findingsand ofresearch interpretation and analysis Based ontheCommittee’s ck ground aFunctions cd n n n n

a) by: priority needsidentified tomeetthegapsand Committee the Advisory by asrecommended andevaluation of research ofaprioritisedprogramme To thedelivery oversee dissemination of its research findings. dissemination ofitsresearch the through debate andencourage promote druguseand to toproblem arising inrelation oftheissues publicawareness greater promote To to agencieswitharemit adviserelevant accessible; and druguse)whichiseasily consequences ofproblem and treatment prevention, to theprevalence, (inrelation database information/research ofanational (HRB) ontheestablishment To closelywiththeHealthResearchBoard work policy; to of theGovernmentintodrugissuesrelevance To attherequest commissionadditionalresearch c) b) d) using the capacity of relevant agenciesengaged using thecapacityofrelevant co-ordinating and advising on research co-ordinating andadvisingonresearch duplication; andavoiding delivering theprogramme to allocated to maximisingtheresources liaising withtheseagenciesaview elements oftheprogramme; todeliveron andnon-statutory, statutory both gatheringandresearch, in information be met through existing capacity; existing be metthrough whichcannot projects commissioning research programme; inthelightofprioritised projects

NACD Annual Report 2006  research. The Process can facilitateThe NACD gathering information through its relationship with a range of agencies and service providers in the drugs field, through Board, An Garda Síochána, hospitals and voluntary/ community groups. gather data These agencies and in anonymised of it available to the NACD some make form. Commissioned Research Research is one of the four original pillars of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, clearly reflecting the importance of having information and evidence to underpin policy-making in this diverse field. Review of the National Drugs Following the Mid Term Strategy in 2005, there is a Fifth Pillar covering the area of Rehabilitation which will require research The commissioned research support from the NACD. programme focuses on the completion of current research projects, on undertaking a limited number of ‘follow through’ or repeat projects, and on exploring particularly areas of potential new study, in rehabilitation and drugs and crime. Gaps in knowledge and information regarding evidence based practice are best filled through commissioned of Reference Terms reference of for each sub-committee areTerms available in previous publications and on the NACD website. Research In addition to the internal research programme, the commissions an extensiveNACD of research amount externally mostly through the public tendering process. Research Advisory are Groups (RAGs) established for every research project. Completion of contracted research is made possible with the support of the many agencies external such as to the NACD Centre local health authorities, the Drug Treatment

AL ND INTERN H A RESE ARC URES, UCT

represents a very high percentage of their workload. addition to the 20 RAG meetings which were held. Foraddition to the 20 RAG the Director and other staff, servicing these meetings various sub-committees (Consequences, Prevention, Emerging Prevalence and Early Warning Treatment, held a total of 15 meetings in 2006 in Trends) considerable work from the Committee. Each member sits on at least one of the sub-committees as well as individual Research Advisory The Groups (RAGs). Sub-Committees/Meetings Implementation of the work programme requires them to the Committee for consideration. and Programme of NACD Work advisory programme. Their work involves framing researchappropriate questions, commissioning research and reviewing draft reports prior to sending emerging trends. These sub-committees have enabled to address an extensivethe NACD research and examining relevant issues relating to problem drug use, in the areas of prevalence, prevention, treatment/ rehabilitation, consequences and early warning/ Emanating from the main committee, five sub- 2) are tasked with committees appendix (see NACD meetings took place in 2006. NACD Sub-Committees NACD meetings are every held approximately NACD six weeks with a break in July and August. A total of seven statutory, community, voluntarystatutory, community, and academic sectors together with senior level representation from relevant Government Departments. range of different perspectives field in the of drug misuse. The members serve at the invitation of the Minister of State and have been drawn from the the NACD is largelythe NACD to its broad due based committee system. The membership reflects of the NACD the The NACD achieve its aims? The success of How does the NACD Structures AMM E ROGR K P WOR Chapter Two STR NACD Annual Report 2006 10 n n n n n n n n n n thefollowing: This qualityassessmentconsiders thequalityofdocumentandfindings. to ensure the NACD or a named act sub-group as peer reviewers inwhich process drafting areport starts researcher the iscompleted Oncetheresearch Reports. Progress NACD canbeviewedinprevious on thisprocess detail Further ofinterests. anyconflict addresses objectivesdocumentand7) theproject 6) agrees 5)awardsthecontract, tenders, for issues therequest brief,4) atender thequestion,3)prepares address to thedesign/methodologybestsuited 2) agrees question, theNACD: theresearch where 1)agrees stages seven goesthrough The commissioningprocess itself. research internal out carrying andthrough commissioning research n

What are the prevailing assumptionsguidingthe theprevailing What are or qualitatively; eitherquantitatively correct Is thebasisofanalysis tables; inthedata anyerrors there Are correctly; presented Is data supported bytheevidence. supported they make senseandare Do recommendations matchtheconclusions; Does theevidence Is thelanguageusedappropriate; theevidence; from whichdiverges Is theopinionofauthorpresent inplace; avalidationprocess Is there Is theanalyticalplanclear; phase; duringthestudyorinanalysis addressed andhowthesewere it includelimits,problems How wellisthemethodologydescribed,does analysis;

it commissions and to disseminate that research that research it commissionsandtodisseminate research many publicationsaspossiblearisingfrom oftheNACD as Itisthedesire toachieve or analysis. inthemethodology isweakorflawed the research onplanningorwhether deliberations internal inform whetheritissimplyto anynewinformation, provides whetherthereport factors: byseveral determined publishedandthisis are Notallreports initiated. is Government andwiththatapublicationprocess to The NACD recommendations thenagrees oftheissue. orindeedthecomplexity volume ofwork dependingonthe willvary of time.Thistimeframe overaperiod anddeliberates which itconsiders totheNACD isthensubmitted report final A draft 1 the following: inception tocompletion.Terms include ofreference (RAGs) from is to projects guide and manage research Groups oftheResearchAdvisory role The primary Groups Research Advisory distribution. andmail conferences briefingseminars, release, media research through its findingsfrom disseminate to community. efforts TheNACD engagesinextensive inGovernmentandthe to itskey stakeholders 5. 4. 3. 2. . Monitor and support the research through each through theresearch Monitor andsupport committee; ethics research therelevant from necessary ethicalapproval where Ensure isobtained ofresearch; during thevariousstages emerge difficulties advicewhere practical Provide design; orenhancement/changes tothe development the andagree process theresearch Inform objectivesdocument; theproject Agree ofdevelopment; stage NACD Annual Report 2006 11

was was implemented using the collaborative service development and plan resources. Campaign The National Drug Awareness established under Action 38 of the National Drugs Strategy agreed to commission a and the NACD approach. A rangeapproach. of organisations working with were invitedTravellers to participate from on the RAG commissioned the outset and the study was designed, required The NACD the and managed collectively. expertise groups to design the study of the Traveller and most importantly to assist the fieldworkers with getting access and participation amongst the Traveller Any hurdles encountered werecommunity. easily and quickly resolved by email or telephone discussion. was particularlyThe RAG helpful in the data analysis stage, providing additional literature pre-publication and insights to enable careful analysis of the data. The completion of the study and the publication in of findings led to further benefitsNACD, to the organisations co-ordinated a series of that, Traveller seminars around the country to share the findings groups and relevant agencies, in which with Traveller participated. organisationsthe NACD are Traveller pleased to have an excellent study on which to base Survey collaboration Unit. This first started in 2002 continue well into the future.and it is hoped, will It has enabled both organisations to share expertise, to pool resources has contributed and to organisational population surveyslearning in managing of this supportingsize and nature. addition, the RAG In this survey the expertise combines of the fieldwork (HRB), companies, the Health Research Board the Department Rural and Gaeltacht of Community, all sharing a common goal, Affairs and the NACD, to produce prevalence the best population drug data to the highest possible standards, consistent with EU guidelines. An Exploratory Study on Drug Use Amongst Travellers

is an example Sign off on the final draft of the report to be and agree for submitted approval the NACD to recommendations to be made to Government. committee progress on of research projects; and publication; Reportsub- and the appropriate to the NACD providing feedback where re appropriate the needs in terms of contentof the NACD for consideration the NACD as stated contracts;the NACD in NACD Review drafts of progress and final reports, Observe and copyright policy of the publication 9. 8. 7. Ipsos MORI and in Northern Ireland by the Central meetings and joint decision making at various stages in the commissioning and implementation of the survey. The fieldwork in Irelandbeing carried out by is Unit (DAIRU) from the DepartmentUnit (DAIRU) of Health, Social Services This requires and Public Safety. joint The National Drug Prevalence Survey of collaboration with colleagues in Northern Ireland in the Drug and Alcohol Information and Research research projects. Examples of Collaborative Working external advisors/experts from other agencies or sectors thus enabling collaboration in overseeing the NACD. Research Advisory are Groups (RAGs) the NACD. convened to both mentor and monitor research. membersThey comprise NACD but also include and ideas. Experience to date has shown that this way of working engenders trust and fosters a climate of helpfulness. The benefits extend far beyond activities. It strengthens the quality of research and facilitates the sharing of knowledge, information Collaboration is committed to collaborationThe NACD as a way of working which forms the basis for most of its During 2006 there wereof the various 20 meetings RAGs. 6. NACD Annual Report 2006 12 2006/2007:National DrugPrevalenceSurvey below: listed these are and contractors withexternal inprogress projects In2006theNACD NACD hadseven atvariousfora. the andrepresent projects completion ofresearch and manage thecommissioning,implementation Theyalso anditssub-committees. the Committee to attheNACD support provides staff The core Managing Research Internal Work Programme enhanceditswork. greatly whichhave ofvaluablenetworks the development in inRIWG hasresulted The NACD’s participation heldquarterly. RIWG meetingsare here. practice ofgood onthedevelopment benefit have adirect Thesediscussions and theRepublicofIreland. Ireland) UK (includingWales, ScotlandandNorthern inthe andmonitoringinformation drugs research whendeveloping ofgoodpractice and thepromotion collaboration ideas.Itsaimisresearch and exchange knowledge toshare byinvitation participates Ireland intheUK. bytheHomeOffice (RIWG) isfacilitated Working Group The UKResearchandInformation 2007. in isongoingandpublicationexpected This process andcommentonearlydrafts. toexamine opportunity hadthe andallparties wasreceived yearprocess three onthe report complete campaign. In2006,thefirst ofthe theroll-out overseeing Group and theSteering thecampaign Agencyengagedtoexecute Advertising withthe ofHealthandChildren, the Department Unitof withtheHealthPromotion collaboration ongoing required Thisresearch mosteffective. were elements orcomponentsofthecampaignthat andidentify inparticular theprocess was toexamine Thisevaluation yearlifespan. campaign overitsthree ofthe theeffectiveness toevaluate project research The NACD ofthe2002/2003 commissioned arepeat

Treatment (ROSIE): Effectiveness Research OutcomeStudyinIrelandEvaluatingDrug monitored. carefully was progress fieldwork briefingsand the interviewer madeto Contributions were planning ofthepilottest. instrumentandthe oftheCAPI the development Italsoinvolved andawardingthecontract. process involvedmanagingthetender Work onthissurvey 2006. September commencedin awarded toIpsosMORI andfieldwork andPublicSafety. was Thetender Social Services ofHealth, Research Unit(DAIRU) attheDepartment and DrugandAlcoholInformation Ireland Northern with project Thisisacollaborative island ofIreland. populationonthe ofdruguseinthegeneral pattern and theextent tomeasure Survey Drug Prevalence sustain their improvements and/ordobetter. theirimprovements sustain This individualscan drugtreatment, if,after understand inorderto important follow-up. Thiswasparticularly outcomesatthree-year of thestudytoexamine tofundthecontinuation December 2005,itagreed totheNACD in findingspresented preliminary Basedonthe experience. with theinternational oneyearwasconsistent after completing treatment waslowandthenumbers rate Mortality treatment. oneyear ofthe after byparticipants achieved were indruguseandinvolvementcrime reductions 12 months.Thefindingsshowedthatsignificant sixmonthsandafter after drugtreatment, entered user carriedoutwhentheopiate were Interviews them overtime. 2003 andJuly2004)followed (betweenSeptember drugtreatment opiate started whenthey users 404opiate recruited Researchers Maynooth. ofIreland University Comiskey, PrincipalInvestigatorattheNational andwascarriedoutbyDrCatherine Strategy ofAction99theNationalDrugs in fulfillment The ROSIE Studywascommissionedbythe NACD

NACD Annual Report 2006 13 Work in 2006 in Work can be more culturally appropriate. Finally, Travellers Travellers can be more culturally Finally, appropriate. should be included in dialogue about their needs, type of changes to services that would enable greater uptake and be represented on committees relevant to their needs. and accessible manner. Results from the study and accessible manner. is not showed that drug use amongst Travellers settled community: the unlike alcohol is the drug used of choice and cannabis is the most commonly illegal drug. Sedatives, tranquillisers and anti- depressants aremisused. The commonly used and has also experienced community the more Traveller problematic drug use such as heroin use. More feltrecently that cocaine was being used Travellers and growing in popularity. The recommendations pointed towards addressing to be recognised the principal needs of Travellers and as such Ethnicity should be a feature of all data collection and record in services. keeping All Government policies and strategies should undergo Travellers equality proofing so that the needs of specific education and can be ensured. Traveller awareness is needed including the community Servicesdevelopment approach. should provide diversity training for all staff so that service delivery need to continue to workneed to continue to with local communities in partnership achieve to long term, sustainable firstrecommends a as improvements.NACD step, The the development of Community Drugs Indicators problemswhich will identify drug in communities thus facilitating allocation of resources the earlier for national and local service planning and delivery. Study: Drug Use Amongst Travellers focussedbringing the publication to the attention on stakeholdersof Government, key and Travellers. This resulted in the preparation of the report for and the publication, the hosting of a media briefing production for of a DVD the purposes of helping communicate the main findings in a straightforward

Involved the preparation from within communities. The study reinforces the Diminishing levels of community participation are to have a negative impact on local likely initiatives and the willingness to find solutions These findings demonstrate the need for closer working between the Alcohol and Drug Strategies. and combined alcohol and cocaine use and its consequences for local communities. in some types of crime. Concerns were raised by communities about the changing patterns of drug misuse notably underage polydrug use drinking, improvements in early school leaving, unemployment and service provision. There has also been a reduction of the impact and effectiveness Government policy of on drugs since 1996. Many of the funded initiatives are working which is demonstrated by marked “A Community Drugs Study, Developing Community Community Drugs Study, “A Indicators for Problem Drug Use” provides evidence and dissemination, culminating in the organisingand dissemination, culminating in the of a conference to consider and reflect on the findings together with media activities. The final report Community Drugs Study: of a final report to Government, the preparation of an additional three Case Studies for publication Furtheranalysis datathe of carried be will modality by out and published in early 2007. with three-year interviews, meetings convening RAG and planning of future publications. co-ordinating media release and dissemination, organising a seminar; ongoing monitoring of progress which involved reviewing the preparation of a baseline report with detailed tables, preparation of and release), 1 (edit, proof, Findings approve ROSIE The ROSIE study published its firstThe ROSIE findings in September project continued on this 2006. Work December of 2006, followDecember of 2006, excellent, up was ratecontinuing the high of 75%. phase will end in December 2007. At end the 2007. phase will end in December NACD Annual Report 2006 14 directly with the NDST processes andthattheNACD processes withtheNDST directly bi-annual basis;thattheschemeshouldlinkinmore thattheschemeshouldberunona recommended theevaluation from recommendations The core completed. fundedandfour were projects Fiveresearch services. their abilitytoinfluencepolicyandtheplanningof andconsequentlyboost sector toengageinresearch enhance thecapacityofcommunityandvoluntary issuesincommunities.Inaddition,itcould related ofdrug to helpNACD understanding gainabetter scheme was ofthisgrant NACD in2006.Thepurpose tothe wassubmitted Ennalsandareport Ms Kate by schemein2005 whichwasundertaken the grant Scheme: SectorResearchGrant Community andVoluntary willbepublishedin2007.report Afinal prevention. communitybasedapproacha comprehensive todrug of whenpart Campaignscanbeeffective Awareness that NationalDrug whichstated Morgan Mark Drug UsePrevention ofResearch –Overview in2001 theearlierNACDreport the findingsfrom conclusionsreinforce Preliminary Unit andothers. Agency, theHealthPromotion by theAdvertising provided in-depth information andreviewed literature international the periodofcampaign,reviewed over withstakeholders 94interviews conducted TheResearchers groups. and attitudeoftargeted changeintheknowledge ofmeasurable achievement the societythrough and itsconsequencesacross druguse populationaboutproblem the general amongst awareness this campaignwastoincrease to evaluate itsdevelopment anddelivery. National DrugsAwareness Campaign (2003-2005)and 2003 withNUIGalwayto The NACD studyin commissionedaresearch National DrugAwareness CampaignEvaluation: NACD onkey issues thatwouldneed wasinformed look atoutcomes.The detailed should haveamore TheNACD of commissionedanevaluation track theprocessof Theaimof byDr

NACD considered the number of research projects projects NACD thenumberofresearch considered scheme.Inmakingthisdecision,the grant research capacity torunanothercommunityandvoluntary The NACD concludedthatitdidnothavethe NACD. burdenonthe order tominimisetheadministrative in withanotherorganisation need tocollaborate ofthe andconsideration groups advisory research toform of thecapacitytolinkintolocalstructures oftheNACD; resources anexamination technical to theschemewithoutoverburdeningsmall support ofresearch and howitismanaged;provision oftheNACD as: howitlinksintotheprogramme shouldtheschemeberunagainsuch to beaddressed n n n n ofit: experience recent hadmore whilstothers years, several for in thefamily use have been coping with heroin Many of the families was carriedoutbetweenAugustandNovember2005. Thefieldwork inonearea. services as wellstatutory inallareas groups support family accessed through were Thefamilies female. were the 37interviewees cases.Twenty memberinseven a secondfamily of with byinterviews augmented 30families interviewed methodologyand Carmel Dugganusingaqualitative with heroinuse. andcoping Experiences ofFamilies seekingsupport than whentheschemewasinitiated. now research for opportunity communities havemore Itconcludedthat projects. managing theseresearch Drug Task and indeveloping andtheNDST Forces the wouldbetosupport the bestuseofitsresources TheNACD andL/RDTFprocess. agreed the NDST in2007through being fundedin2006andpotentially

Ten families’ problem started in last5years Ten started problem families’ 0 years ago 5-10years started problem Six families’ ago 10-5years started problem families’ Four ago over15years Ten started problem families’ ThestudywascarriedoutbyDr NACD Annual Report 2006 15

Preparation of e www.nacd.i workplace injuries and accidents; It is clear that the problematic of substances use can lead to poor performance and behavioural difficulties which might compromise safety; All workplaces substance should have a use policy in place that provides for education, support and access to treatment in the first instance. Such policies should provide for drug testing in the workplace if appropriate. There is little evidence in Ireland available on the extentand drugs are to which alcohol involved in

and protective factors influencing young people’s drug use. The research is expected to get underway in mid It is intended that the research will be managed 2007. internally although some assistance may be required for fieldwork. n n The full report to download from is available the NACD website at The development of this research project began in late 2006 as fulfilment commitments under of NACD Action 98 of the NDS requiring research on early school leavers and drug use. It was agreed that the research should examine the interrelationships between risk research internally, reviewingresearch the literature, internally, practical the experiences of interagency work processes and to contextconsider them in the planning. of Government 2007 as partThis would begin in Director’s of the work programme. Drug Testing: Workplace recommendations to Government to support the Health and Safety Authority in its work to prepare regulations Health and following to the Safety, amendments Act. Welfare at Work concluded the following: The NACD n A Comparative of Drug Use Among Early Study and School Attendees: School Leavers

The Prevention Sub-committee discussions. The outcome was to carry out some Interagency Working: deliberated on the types of research and engaged the service of an external consultant to facilitate of the required documents, including a summary report for issue in early 2007. of the pilot study, Government to seek Expressions of Interest to implement a DTMS and work began on the preparation submissions made to Government for its implementation, it remained under consideration well was secured frominto 2006. In mid 2006, approval Monitoring System (DTMS) Pilot: Drug Trend Whilst the Pilot Study was completed in 2005 and internally by the NACD or will forminternally part by the NACD of the Committee’s work in 2007. Internal Research Projects The following projects are currently being undertaken recommendations being made by the NACD is that recommendations being made by the NACD the role of the family in treatment, rehabilitation and recovery should be valued more by service providers. findings were remarkably consistent and it was possible to identify seven stages of coping. One of the principal report Recommendations was prepared for the NACD. were agreed and planning began for publication in Despite the breadth of the research, the early 2007. This study neared completion in 2006. Preliminary drafts of findings were presented a final and to the RAG included a number of provincial and their rural towns and semi-rural hinterlands experiencing more recent but considerable levels of problem use. drug of Dublin and straddling counties where two heroin use is extensive established. and long The third area three neighbourhoods and with a concentrated and long-term incidence of heroin use. The suburban area coveredof neighbourhoods a number in the outskirts an urban, suburban and provincialan urban, suburban perspective. The urban area represented inner city area a Dublin covering Three areas wereselected to provide information from NACD Annual Report 2006 16 cocaine use in relation to consequences, prevalence, toconsequences, prevalence, cocaine useinrelation Team Drugs Strategy andwillexamine (NDST) jointlywiththeNational isbeingprepared The report thereport. andwrite tocompilethedata contracted was andaresearcher theproject andsupport oversee to wasestablished Group AResearchAdvisory Ireland. Governmenton cocaine usein toupdate undertook 2005,theNACD inlate aGovernmentrequest from n n n n The studywillhelptheNACD by: youngpeople. Government ondrugpoliciesaffecting ItwillhelptheNACD toadvise community context. youngpeople’salcohol/drugusewithinthe examining Governmentfunded study multi-level, It isthelargest provided. educationpathis whomanalternative school andfor youngpeoplewhohaveleft for and (ii)thosecatering education; mainstream attending routinely who are youngpeople for education settings:(i)thosecatering oftwotypes andidentifytheresources is toexamine community, Thesecondstep andpeerrelations. family inyoungpeople’slives–their featuring factors ofrisk assessthedegree school. Thestudywillfirst attending andthoseroutinely early schoolleavers druguseamong problem affect of anadolescent’slife This study aims to consider how the key social contexts Consequently, theNACD setaboutgathering ofcocainedependence. andtreatment prevention ofCocaineUseinIrelandII: An Overview

Collecting the best data focussing onbothriskand focussing Collecting thebestdata behaviours; youth problem with associated Identifying theinfluencesthatare Government. to recommendations Helping toinform managed andresourced; currently Identifying gapsinhowprioritiesare factors; protective Arising this cocaine use crosses allsectionsofIrishsociety.this cocaineusecrosses incocaineuseandthat to acontinuedincrease point of2006.Alltheindicators part over thelatter discussionstookplace 2006andfurther September on Drugs(IDG)in Group Interdepartmental submissiontothe for wasprepared A summary alsoexamined. were areas Force DrugTask from cocaine initiativesandinformation ofpilot arange across Developments alcohol services. Treatment drugand Board)andsomefrontline Centre ofRoadSafety, MedicalBureau theDrug Laboratory, BeaumontToxicology ScienceLaboratory, Forensic Laboratory, State Treatment System, Reporting ofsources(National Drug arange from information environments can limit the impact of HIV prevention can limittheimpactofHIVprevention environments thatlocalrisk Although itiswelldocumented prostitution. whoengagein ofdrugusers and riskexperiences insightsintothe needs 98 oftheNDSandprovide ofitscommitments underAction study infulfillment Prostitution: who Engagein of ProblematicDrugUsers theRiskEnvironment Exploring andUnderstanding inearly2007. isexpected Publication ofthefullreport Strategy. oftheNationalDrugs involved intheimplementation and Agenciesandothers Departments the relevant upby willnowbefollowed andresearch prevention butalsocoveringsupply, ontreatment, focusing principally inthereport, The 13recommendations andcommunities. cocaine onindividuals,families theimpactof understand tobetter community groups and consultants hospital practitioners, general providers, service willbeusedbypolicymakers, report inthis thattheinformation Itisintended affected. disproportionately nationwide, somecommunitiesare muchexperienced However, whilsttheimpactisvery The NACD was required todesigna TheNACD wasrequired NACD Annual Report 2006 17

or tranquilliserssedatives, . Drafts have been submitted to the on the use of project as is currently the practice. This has resulted in to undertake being able the NACD sensitive research in an efficient and effectivemanner. term-time which means the NACD has a substantialterm-time means the NACD which administrative deficit given the demands of the work programme. This deficit is met through of contract the use workers employed through an agency to provide the administrative support required from time to time. In addition, in the summer months a temporary clerical officer is provided to replace the summer term-time vacancy. to develop and It has been the ambition of the NACD expand its internal research capacity in accordance with a recommendation made in the External Review Associates, 2004. With the Research Officer by Talbot remaining Post vacant for 10 months, the NACD engaged external full time research contractors to complete research projects on its behalf. researchers were engaged on a ‘specific projects’ Two basis and this has resulted in a saving of approximately entirethe research outsourcing of cost the of thirds two anti-depressants Prevalence for sub-committee consideration and RAG These bulletins are set forand approval. publication in 2007. Staff Changes in 2006 has four coreThe NACD posts supported directly through secondment and contract by the Department Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.of Community, The Director and Research Officer are contracted to the Department the Higher Executive Officer and (HEO) and Clerical Officer are (CO) seconded from the Department. the HEO post is full-time Whilst the Clerical Officer post was reduced to part-time, Bulletin 6

and with the HSE Intercultural HSE Intercultural polydrug use on Bulletin 5 and to the Road Safety Authority for their 2002/2003 Drug Prevalence Survey prostitution encounter in accessing harm reduction interventions, drug treatment and other services. barriers to minimising risk; identify barriers problem drug users workingTo in To describe risky behavioural practices; To identify their risk reduction strategies their and To To identify the social, situational and personal identify the social, situational risk To factors;

aim of producing Work also began on the analysisWork of data from the Strategy strategic plan. Other Internal Work began on the preparationWork of submissions to the Health Service Executive on the n n n n in prostitution in Dublin live and work and how they perceive risk, and behave in response to risk. The aim of the Study is to understand the risk environment in which problem drug users working as on the individual, the findings from this study will enhance our understanding of people’s needs within these circumstances. By focusing the social and physical on risk environment of problem drug users working in prostitution, as well of risk’; the circumstances of people’s lives that shape their exposure to risk factors, it difficult and/or make for such risk factors. them to avoid problem drug users working in prostitution in Ireland. There are conditions that affect risk factors, or the ‘risk behaviour, there remains an absence of adequate behaviour, knowledge and understanding of the contextual and surroundingbehaviour dynamic the experiences of and its influence on injecting risk behaviour) and that and its influence on health and health-relatedsocial conditions influence interventions (i.e. transition cocaine injecting towards NACD Annual Report 2006 18 n n andseminars: courses training FOI anumberof attended During thisperiodNACD staff tobemade. preparations andother arrangements organisational to allowfor the NACD, givenaleadinperiodoffivemonths were Newbodies,including ofInformation. by Freedom approximately 500,thenumberofbodiescovered Actstobring (FOI) ofInformation the Freedom of anextension Mr Cowen,announcedplansfor Finance, for In October2005,TheMinister Freedom (FOI) ofInformation approach in2007. tothecontinueduseofthis Itagreed programme. outitswork tocarry andcontractors staff support monitoringtheactivityandcapacityofits tool for in 2007. theNACD thisauseful found Overall implementation in2006,for was underdevelopment goals).Thefinalcomponent,integration, expenditure ofbudgetandmeeting management (control ontimeorbehindschedule);andfinancial delivered (projects efficiency internal other stakeholders); (theGovernmentand clientservice tested: were components ofthefour Three its performance. inmonitoring approach itsfeasibility in2006totest The NACD theBalancedScorecard implemented Balanced Scorecard

attended by Mairéad Lyons; byMairéad attended Dept. Financeon23rdMay2006.Thiswas Policy Unit, byThe Central presented Course AdvancedTraining ofInformation Freedom JaneTrimble;Lyons andMary byMairéad November 2005.Thiswasattended on24th Solicitors with MasonHayesandCurran, inassociation Ireland byPublicAffairs presented Seminar Update ofInformation Freedom

facilitate access to official information heldbythe information accesstoofficial facilitate bookisto ofthisreference of theAct,purpose Acts.InaccordancewithSection15 16 oftheFOI ofSections15and accordance withtherequirements andpublishedin bookwasprepared A reference n n internal appeals Lyons.internal dealtwithbyMairéad are Decision Maker and istheFOI AlanGaffney requests. FOI for handling responsible is Officer The FOI Jane attheNACD isMary Trimble. Officer The FOI 2006. intheperiodJune2006toDecember requests FOI 31May, from 2006.TheNACD two received effect with Bodies) Regulations2006cameintooperation Act1997(Prescribed ofInformation The Freedom oftheNACD.offices our Website NACD. availablefrom Copiesofthispublicationare usedbythe guidelinesand interpretations practices, therules,procedures, to publishabookcontaining theNACD Actrequires 2003. Section16oftheFOI Acts,1997and ofInformation under theFreedom totheNACD onhowtomake arequest information held,and ontheclassesofrecords of, information bytheNACD,provided howtheymaybeavailed oftheservices functionsanddetails the structure, onDrugs,byoutlining Committee National Advisory

attended by Alan Gaffney and Mary JaneTrimble. andMary byAlanGaffney attended Dept. Financeon11thOctober2006.Thiswas Policy Unit, byTheCentral presented Course Advanced Training ofInformation Freedom Gaffney; byAlan 2006.Thiswasattended 14th September on Solicitors with MasonHayesandCurran, inassociation Ireland byPublicAffairs presented Seminar Update ofInformation Freedom www.nacd.i e and upon request from the from anduponrequest NACD Annual Report 2006 19

Ballymun Bray Crumlin . Published by NACD, November . Published by NACD, . Published by NACD, November . Published by NACD, November . Published by NACD, Community Case Study: Experiences and Perceptions of Experiences and Perceptions Community Case Study: Problem Drug Use 2006. and NorthernDrug Use in Ireland 2002/2003 Ireland. Cocaine Results. Bulletin 4; Survey. Drug Prevalence Findings 1 Summary Outcomes; ROSIE of 1-year of illicit drug use and extent of the nature An overview study; an exploratory community: amongst the Traveller and Community Developing A Community Drugs Study: Indicators for Problem Drug Use. Community Drugs Study: Developing Community Indicators for Problem by Drug Use.” Published 2006. November NACD, Loughran, 2006. H., McCann, M.E. of Experiences and Perceptions Community Case Study: Problem Drug Use 2006. Loughran, H., McCann, M.E. 2006. of Experiences and Perceptions Community Case Study: Problem Drug Use 2006. Loughran, H., McCann, M.E. 2006. Loughran, H., McCann, M.E. 2006. “A Loughran, 2006. “A H., McCann, M.E.

8. 9. 10. 7. which the NACD can ensure can that the resultswhich the NACD and recommendations of the Committee’s publications are communicated audiences and stakeholders. to key Summary of Key Publications One page summary sheets on each of the four publications released in 2006 are attached to this report. Summaries relate to: n n n n All of the above involved a media launch and press briefing. Media exposure is an important means by e www. www.nacd.i -year Outcomes.” 1-year e .” Revised in June TIONS www.nacd.i e Summary1 of A e www.nacd.i

by NACD October 2006. A DVD is available for is available 2006. A DVD October by NACD community. dissemination amongst the Traveller and extent of illicit drug use amongst the Traveller and extent of illicit drug use amongst the Traveller community: an exploratory Published study.” Published by NACD, September, 2006. September, Published by NACD, overviewFountain, of the nature “An J (2006). Cox, G, Comiskey C, Kelly P, Cronly, J (2006). Cronly, C, Kelly P, Cox, G, Comiskey June 2005. Confidence Intervals. Published in April 2006 and available on the web only. nacd.i (Ireland) and Health and Social Services Board (Northern Ireland) Results. Bulletin 2”. (Revised) 2002/2003 Drug PrevalenceSurvey. Health Board 2005. Confidence Intervals. Published in April 2006 and available on the web only. results (Revised) from 2002/2003 Drug the Prevalence Survey. Bulletin 1 Report.” Prepared by NACD, DAIRU and MORI DAIRU Report.” Prepared by NACD, in February Published MRC. 2006 on the website only. 2002/2003 Drug Prevalence Survey. A Technical 2002/2003 Drug PrevalenceSurvey. A Technical Results”. Bulletin 4. Published in January 2006 and available from 2002/2003 Drug PrevalenceSurvey. Cocaine “ROSIE Findings “ROSIE “Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. First “Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. “Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. “Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. . 6. 5. 3. 2. 4. 1 research is subjected to a comprehensive and detailed reviewthe Committee by prior to publication. The arepublications below listed chronological in order. by the NACD this year. Publication represents the this year. by the NACD culmination of a research process and all NACD Several major research projects were completed Chapter Three LIC PUB NACD Annual Report 2006 20 the media and other significant stakeholders. the mediaandothersignificantstakeholders. community, theresearch groups, community interest providers, service policymakers, representatives, public seniorgovernment officials, Ministers, to awideandvariedaudienceincludinggovernment undertaken ofresearch theresults communicated TheCommittee and disseminationofitsresearch. thepublication discussion ofdrugissuesthrough and debate andencourage advice andtopromote ofitscommunicationsactivities–toprovide context functionsinthe twoofitscore The NACD executes advicetoGovernment. alsoprovided The Committee reports. In 2006,theNACDoften publishedatotal n n n n are: communications strategy agenda.Theobjectivesofthe of theresearch advice, disseminationoffindingsandpromotion of ofprovision initiatives andoutputs,interms is inplacetooptimisetheimpactofvarious Acommunicationsstrategy levels. at different and reasons manydifferent communication for The functionsoftheNACD necessitate COMMUNIC Four Chapter

international fora. international To theNACD at andIreland represent inthisfield; data and/orhaveaccess torelevant research related drug- commission, fundorundertake promote, inthoseagenciesandbodiesthat influencers To agendaamongstkey theresearch promote thinkingandpractice; current may inform findingsthat research ofrelevant sectors across andpractitioners To providers adviseservice trends; onkey issuesandemerging Minister To timelyadviceandbriefingstothe provide A TIONS its audiences and stakeholders. its audiencesandstakeholders. to disseminated NACD’s effectively publicationsare ofthe andrecommendations thattheresults ensure communications tooloftheNACD toprimarily activityisanimportant Media relations Media Relations activities andseminars. bymediarelations issupported Publication ofreports recommendations. quick andeasyaccesstothestudy, itsoutcomesand giving yetconciseExecutiveSummary comprehensive publishedbytheNACD includea All reports translated intoIrish. translated also ontheNACD andare posted website are releases tothemedia.Allpress isdistributed thereport from andtheNACD’s arising results recommendations key outliningthereport’s release Apress reports. which theNACD toquestionsaboutits responds briefing includesaquestionandanswersessionin Each conjunction withthepublicationofreports. this challenge,theNACD hostsmediabriefingsin ofNACDrecommendations publications.To meet and communicatingtheresults in effectively ofthedrugsissueleadstochallenges The complexity publication ofvariousreports. tocoincidewiththe distributed are releases press bytheNACD hosted and are briefings andseminars Press drugproblems. solutionstoIreland’s informed of thedevelopment the sectorinordertoencourage anddialoguein debate ofinformed level a greater toensure Secondly, activityserves mediarelations NACD Annual Report 2006 21 An overview of the nature of the nature An overview ’, in October 2006 also generated and information available to it. only was the level of coverage achieved substantial but the content of all the articles reinforced the ‘key community is vulnerable message’ – that the Traveller to problem social exclusion drug use because of the not cover the did it experiences. RTÉ Television coverage was achieved on its leading launch, however, radio news programme, Morning Ireland. In total there were over 20 news generated bulletins by the interviewsreport. Two were conducted on discussion programmes including one on the Newstalk 106 ‘Brendan O’Brien Lunchtime Show’ with Emma Kennedy of Pavee Point. Advice to Government function of the CommitteeA key is to advise Government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland. In this regard an importantpart of the process of publishing research involves the submission of advice to Government based on the NACD’s analysis and interpretation of the research findings Director throughout the day of the launch on: FM; national radio stations; RTÉ One; 2FM; Today and Newstalk 106: Dublin radio stations; Q102; 98 FM; FM104; and regional stations via Independent Network News (INN) which syndicates news bulletins to Ireland’s 28 regional radio stations throughout the country. The publication and launch of ‘ community: of illicit drug use amongst the Traveller and extent study an exploratory coverage in broadsheet and tabloid newspapers including online media such as Ireland.com. In total, eight articles were secured comprising five national newspaper articles and three online articles. Not Drug Use ’ in January quotes from the Minister, Chairpersonquotes from the Minister, and the Lyons. Various sound bites were broadcast Various with Lyons. ‘The Last Word’ programme‘The Last Word’ with Matt Cooper on discussion a half hour long panel FM. Also, Today on Damien Kiberd’s ‘Lunchtime Show’ on Newstalk 106 featured both Minister Noel Ahern and Mairéad news bulletins generated coverage of the item. Nine interviews were Director conducted with NACD Mairéad on discussion programmes Lyons including In total, the item was featured 11 Dublin and on regionally based radio stations. A minimum of 30 5:30 news and Sky News Ireland’s 6:30 bulletin also covered the report. Weekend Review Section. Five TVWeekend news pieces were on RTÉ One at 1pm and 6pm, RTÉ generated. Two had a report at 11pm, TV3Two covered it on the Irish Sun, Irish Star, Irish Daily Mirror, Irish News and Irish Daily Mirror, Irish Sun, Irish Star, including the Irish Independent the Sunday World) Prevalence Survey: Cocaine Results: Bulletin 4 Survey: Prevalence 2006 resulted in coverage in eight national papers (The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, The publication and launch of the report ‘ & Northern in Ireland Drug from the 2002/2003 Ireland results of NACD publications were publications results dispersed of NACD across a broad spectrum of media outlets. programmes on regional radio stations. The following are examples of how effectively the interviews on current affairs programmes throughout Ireland’s regional radio network. For example, during 2006, 14 interviews were provided to current affairs appeared in 2006. in 2006. appeared representativesNACD also participated extensively in broadcast Coverage journalists. was secured in print, broadcast(TV totalA media. radio)online and in and of 36 print articles on the work of the Committee range of print and broadcast media. Representatives provided interviewsof the NACD and to print In 2006, four press releases were distributed to a wide NACD Annual Report 2006 22 staffing capacity to perform thisfunction. capacitytoperform staffing astheNACD doesnothavethe contractor an external by and NACD ismaintained submissions.Thewebsite documents tender releases, displayofpress prompt the Thisalsoensures andseminars. activities, events toresearch inrelation isprovided information recent thatthemost basistoensure onaregular updated is Thesite ofcharge. available todownloadfree and publishedonthewebsite are NACD reports ofwork. NACD’s programme andthe structure also availableonthesub-committee values, functionsandmembership. is Information totheNACD,in relation includingitsmissionand information detailed contains audience. Thesite toitstarget ofinformation range abroader providing in2004withtheaimof wasredeveloped The website since2001 The NACD presence hashadawebsite NACD Website n n n n bodies: andstate representatives toGovernment,public provided supports direct are specificareas publications,thefollowing research regarding In additiontotheadviceprovided the Official Languages Act 2003 and the website has LanguagesAct2003andthewebsite the Official The NACD under wasoneofthe publicbodieslisted

Interdepartmental Group onDrugs(IDG). Group Interdepartmental onthe representation through Advice provided queriesondrug issues; to general inresponse andadvicealsoprovided Information Questions(PQs); Parliamentary to toreplies Unit(DSU)inrelation Strategy totheDrugs ofinformation Ongoing provision effectiveness; toGovernmentondrugtreatment of areport inpreparation Office and AuditorGeneral’s totheComptroller support oftechnical Provision . been in bilingual format since1stMay2006.Irish been inbilingualformat Local andRegionalDrugsTask ForceResearch in2006. seminarevents The NACD seven hosted hostedbySeminars NACD availableinIrish. are 2003 publishedsincelate page summariesofresearch One ofthekey recommendations. asasummary serve which releases ofpress makes availabletranslations HencetheNACD nature. technical their complex dueto reports related research obliged totranslate available todownload.However, theNACD isnot 2003onwardsare andBusinessPlansfrom Reports ofdocumentssuchasAnnual language versions n n suchas: inareas has gainedoverthelastfiveyears theNACD theexperience of theseminarwastoshare Thepurpose andcontracts. procurement protection, sources,ethics,data questions, methods,data research onthedaywere Key issuesexamined the ADRU andPatriciaO’ConnoroftheNDST. O’Gorman, NACD, DrJeanLongandBrianGalvinof Lyons, DrAileen includedMairéad Key speakers and RegionalDrugsTask (RDTFs). Forces oftheLocalDrugsTaskordinators (LDTFs) Forces totheco- planning andcommissioningresearch on Research Unit(ADRU)information provided oftheAlcoholandDrug withtheassistance (NDST), TeamThe NACD andNationalDrugsStrategy March inDublin. andonthe7th respectively in DublinandPortlaoise Research Drugs Task entitled Forces, Training:

Refining research objectives; Refining committees; ideasthrough research Developing were held on the 24th and 27th February heldonthe24thand27thFebruary were Seminars aimedatLocalandRegional Seminars Commissioning andManaging NACD Annual Report 2006 23

Seminars Lecture Business to MA Addiction Studies Dublin School (23rd March) Lecture to Health Promotion Students NUIG Galway (14th February) Lecture to Health Promotion Students Marino Institute Dublin (22nd February)

The launch of the Community Study ReportThe launch of the Community and the Burlington Hotelseminar was held in on the 2006 and was attended by Mr Noel 24th November, Minister of State with responsibility for the Ahern TD, Dr Des Corrigan providedNational Drugs Strategy. a Presentations NACD. the of behalf address keynoteon were made by Dr Hilda Loughran, Mary UCD and Dr Ellen McCann, UCD. Study Dissemination Seminars: Traveller n responsibility for Dr Des the National Drugs Strategy. Corrigan provided a keynote address on behalf of the and presentationsNACD wereby Professor made Jane Fountain of the University of Central Lancashire. Presentations to Key Audiences A critical part is to link mission NACD’s of the research practice and the value of co-operating with everyone who can benefit from its knowledge base. In fulfilling senior staff this function, the Director, and representatives regularly give lectures of the NACD and presentations and participate in seminars and workshops. Presentations participated in which the NACD in 2006: n n on the Traveller Study, published in November 2006, Study, on the Traveller The took place on the 27th and 28th November. Hotelmain seminar was held in the Merrion and was Minister of State with attendedMr Noel Ahern TD, by Study Dissemination Seminar:Community Drugs

ROSIE Findings 1: ROSIE and was attended by Mr Final reports, editing, sign off and deciding publication. Monitoring progress; Problem solving; Mentoring research; contracts); Identifying capacity; Commissioning research (procurement &

study. findings to an invited audience of treatment providers who are facilitating access to participants in the Dr Des Corrigan provided a keynote address on behalf presented Dr Catherine Comiskey the of the NACD. Summary outcomes of 1-year Minister of State with responsibility Noel Ahern TD, for the National Drugs Strategy. Findings 1 – Dissemination Seminar: ROSIE A seminar was held in Dublin’s Buswells Hotel on the 12th September in relation to the Patricia O’Connor from the NDST closed the seminar with an outline of the Emerging Needs Fund. Centre, Brian Galvin was available to talk to people and demonstrated how their library can be accessed. how the information can be used. Mairéad Lyons focused on practical issues such as procurement and contracts. The Head of the National Documentation on which to develop research projects. Dr Jean Long highlighted value of surveillance the systems and research in this particular area. Dr Aileen O’Gorman gave an excellent framework and the handouts very helpful. The information was alertingpresented simply and clearly, the audience doing to many of the issues that might arise when In terms of feedback from the participants, attendees found very the seminar beneficial and informative n n n n n n NACD Annual Report 2006 24 n n n n n n n n n

(23rd November) AGM NACD Network Research Family Support (20th November) National Traveller Women’s Galway Forum (2nd November) andDrugsConference MQI/Pavee Point Diversity (9th October) briefing Ipsos MORIpopulationsurvey (5th October) briefing Ipsos MORIpopulationsurvey (September) onCocaineUpdate IDG presentation (September) onCommunityStudy(July) IDG presentation onCommunityStudy(May) presentation on Drugs(IDG) Group Departmental Inter IDG presentation onROSIE Findings1 IDG presentation

NACD Annual Report 2006 25 .00 €25,621 €399,931.92 €869,536.75 €615,246.57 €677,600.00 €1,318,467.57

.3 million is set aside by the Department Rural and of Community,

CD Expenditure

Dr Catherine Comiskey & NUI Maynooth Dr Catherine Comiskey NACD expenditureNACD on general public relations and legal services administration, including pay, for 2006 Affairs. expenditureNACD on new and existing research projects, including external expert support, for 2006 The figures presented are a description of NACD expenditure on research and general administration 2006. for finance is integratedNACD within the general the Department accounts of Rural and Gaeltacht of Community, Gaeltacht Affairs Seventy per cent of this budget is allocated to research towards the operation of the NACD. funding and the remaining 30% to general administration. NA €1 An annual budget of approximately Allocated Total Public Relations Supporting Actions/Activities Extension of Longitudinal Study to include a 3-year follow-up phase to include a 3-year Extension of Longitudinal Study Treatment/Rehabilitation Repeat General Population Survey of Drug Use 2006/2007 Population Repeat General (includes VAT where applicable) (includes VAT Prevalence Research – Funding Allocations Research – (for Research Projects in 2006) Commissioned Chapter Five nce Fina Montague Communications Ipsos MORI NACD Annual Report 2006 26 Dr MáirínO’Sullivan,Dept.of EducationandScience O’Shea,IAAAC Ms Mary Ms PatriciaO’Connor, NDST Mr LiamO’Brien,CommunitySector O’Brien,GardaNationalDrugs Unit Supt Barry Region HSEEastern Mr CathalMorgan, Mr DavidMoloney, Dept.ofHealthandChildren Dr JeanLong,ADRU, HealthResearchBoard South Western Area Psychiatrist,HSE Dr EamonKeenan,Consultant VDTN Kavanagh, Ms Mairéad Reform Dept.ofJustice,EqualityandLaw Mr JohnGarry, Ms SunnivaFinlay, CommunitySector Ms MariaCorrigan,ClinicalPsychologist Affairs Gaeltacht Mr MichaelConroy, Dept.ofCommunity, and Rural Mr WillieCollins,HSESouthernArea VDTN Ms JackieBlanchfield, AcademicAppointment JoeBarry, Prof. Members EllenMcCann,AcademicAppointment Dr Mary Vice-Chairperson Pharmaceutical Sciences,Trinity College Dr DesCorrigan,SchoolofPharmacyand Chairperson 31 Membership ofNA Appendix One st December2006 CD Committeea (Not sittingonMainCommittee) Gaeltacht Affairs Gaeltacht Dept.ofCommunity,Mr GabrielStaunton, and Rural Consequences ofSub-Committees Members Dr HamishSinclair, ADRU, HealthResearchBoard Ms AnnaQuigley, CommunitySector Mr Tony Geoghegan,IAAAC Law Reform Ms CatherineByrne,Dept.ofJustice,Equalityand Retired NACD (2006) Members Gaeltacht Affairs Gaeltacht Dept. ofCommunity, and Rural Mr EddieArthurs, Prevalence Hospital Pierce,ToxicologyMs Anya Beaumont Department, Det. GardaPatDavis,NationalDrugsUnit Ms PaulineLeavy, ofRoadSafety MedicalBureau Reform Hayes,Dept.ofJustice,EqualityandLaw Mr Gerry Commissioners McMahon, Revenue Mr Padraig Quinn,Dept.ofHealthandChildren Ms Noreen DrugTreatmentDr RichieMaguire, Board Centre Laboratory Ms SiobhanStokes, State Dr BobbySmyth,HSESouthWestern Area ScienceLaboratory Dr DanielO’Driscoll,Forensic Affairs Gaeltacht Dept.ofCommunity,Mr GabrielStaunton, and Rural Early Warning/Emerging Trends

t

NACD Annual Report 2006 27 Gaeltacht Affairs Ms Frances Nangle-Connor, Irish Prison Service Irish Prison Ms Frances Nangle-Connor, Rural and Ms Sinead Copeland, Dept. of Community, Dr Íde Delargy, Irish College of General PractitionersDr Íde Delargy, Treatment Ms Anna May Harkin,of Health and Children Dept. Education Drug Education Workers Forum Ms Elaine Butler, Gaeltacht Affairs Church of Ireland of College Ms Ruby Morrow, Ms Cathy Lyons, Dept. of Health and Children Dept. of Health Ms Cathy Lyons, Rural and Dept. of Community, Ms Sinead Copeland, Prevention NACD Annual Report 2006 28 a Table Appendix Two Mr Gerry Hayes Mr Gerry Mr GabrielStaunton Dr MáirínO’Sulliva O’Shea Ms Mary Ms PatriciaO’Conno Mr LiamO’Brie O’Brie Supt Barry Mr CathalMorga Mr DavidMolone Dr Dr EamonKeena Kavanagh Ms Mairéad Mr JohnGarr Ms Ms MariaCorriga Mr WillieCollin Ms JackieBlanchfield JoeBarry Prof. EllenMcCan Dr Mary Dr DesCorriga Ms PaulineLeav t 31

Jean Long Sunniva Finlay y st n n s y of Sub-Committee n n n n y December2006 n r n

Medical Bureau ofRoadSafety Medical Bureau ofJustice,Equality andLawReform Department Affairs ofCommunity, andGaeltacht Rural Department ofEducationandScience Department IAAAC NDST Community Sector Garda NationalDrugUnit Region HSE, Eastern ofHealthandChildren Department ADRU, HealthResearchBoard HSE, SouthWestern Area VDTN ofJustice,EqualityandLawReform Department Community Sector Clinical Psychologist HSE, SouthernArea VDTN Academic Appointment Academic Appointment Trinity College School ofPharmacy&PharmaceuticalSciences, Membership

¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Consequences ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ EWET ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Prevalence ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Prevention ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Treatment NACD Annual Report 2006

29 Treatment

¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Prevention

¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Prevalence

¸ EWET

¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸

Consequences

Irish Prison Services Department and Children of Health Church of Ireland College of Education Department Rural and Gaeltacht of Community, Affairs Drug Education Workers Forum Department of Health and Children Irish College of General Practitioners Department and Children of Health Department Beaumont Hospital Toxicology Area HSE, South Western Centre Board Drug Treatment Revenue Commissioners Department Rural and Gaeltacht of Community, Affairs Garda National Drug Unit Garda National Drug State Laboratory Forensic Science Laboratory r l s e y

Bobby Smyth r Dr Íde Delarg Ms Frances Nangle-Conno Ms Elaine Butler Ms Anna May Harkin Ms Sinead Copeland Ms Ruby Morrow Ms Cathy Lyons Mr Padraig McMahon Mr Eddie Arthurs Dr Richie Maguir Ms Anya Pierce D Dr Daniel O’Driscol Ms Noreen Quinn Ms Siobhan Stoke Det. Garda Pat Davis NACD Annual Report 2006 30 100 99 98 actions. thefollowing toundertake was requested 2001-2008,theNACD In theNationalDrugsStrategy under theNa Actions RequiredofthNA Appendix Three groups. Itisessentialthattheindividualsand groups. onthese ofdata etc. includingde-segregation thehomeless,earlyschoolleavers prostitutes, e.g. identified the atriskgroups Travellers, prisons etc. within i.e. amongstyoungerdrugmisusers, ofthedrugusingpopulation cohorts particular applicationpotential ofnewoptionswithin the etc.toestablish facilities syringe exchange syringes,mobile equipment e.g.non-reusable new mechanismstominimisethesharingof valueofthistreatment. term thelong toolindetermining be animportant behaviour. Suchstudiesshould and onoffending onbothindividualhealth methadone treatment impact of the current the Irish setting to establish information. statistical accesstorelevant drug misusehaveimmediate andprevent treat toreduce, involved inworking bydrugmisuseandthose mostaffected groups To of intotheeffectiveness conductresearch To outcomestudies,within commissionfurther To outstudiesondrugmisuseamongst carry tional Dr ugS CD tra teg y NACD Annual Report 2006 31 NACD Annual Report 2006 32