The estimated cost of implementing Eastern Health Board proposals to deal with the drugs problem in its area is £4.2 million, £1.3 million in capital expenditure and £2.9 million in revenue. In a written reply to Mr Ivor Callely TD, the board said its approach was based on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Mr Callely was also told in a written reply that 2 per cent of people involved in drug abuse are under 15, according to Garda figures, with 27 per cent aged 15-19, 31 per cent aged 20-24, 20 per cent aged 25-29, 12.9 per cent aged 30-34 and 7 per cent over 35.