Press Release
Latest European Drug Report shows Ireland has fourth highest drug overdose deaths
The latest European Drug Report, released today, shows Ireland continues to have one of the highest rates of drug-related overdose deaths in Europe. Responding to the report, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland Tony Geoghegan said:
“This is an awful indictment of society that so many lives are being lost needlessly. We urgently need the government to increase investment in vital services targeted at high-risk drug users.
“Piloting a Medically Supervised Injecting Facility in Dublin is significant progress and will save lives that could otherwise be lost to overdose, but is only one part of the solution. We can and must do more.
“People who use drugs and their families need wider access to Naloxone, more community detox programmes, more medically supervised detox and rehabilitation programmes and supported accommodation for people coming out of rehab. We simply cannot expect to see a significant reduction in overdose deaths without this investment.
-ENDS-
For more information or to arrange an interview with our spokesperson, Tony Geoghegan, please contact:
Andrew Rooney
086 7793 208 or e-mail andrew.rooney@mqi.ie
