01/02/2024

Alliance Calls For Drug Consumption Rooms In NI

Alliance has reiterated a call for drug consumption rooms in Northern Ireland.

The party's Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA made the call following the release of the latest drug misuse deaths figures here.

In 2021/22, 154 deaths were due to drug misuse which is down from 212 in 2020/21, this is according to figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

Paula Bradshaw said Alliance believes that "drugs problems we are seeing across Northern Ireland must be tackled through a public health response".

In a statement, Paula Bradshaw MLA said:
News Image
"The issue of drug addiction, and associated mental health problems, is one we must recognise as needing a compassionate and pro-active approach.

"While the significant decrease from 212 to 154 is to be warmly welcomed, we must build on the good work of the Public Health Agency, Extern and others to continue to drive this figure down. The figures mean 154 families have been left devastated and frustrated adequate and person-centred support was not available in a timely and appropriate manner.

"As such, we repeat our call for a change in the law to allow for drug consumption rooms to be set up in Northern Ireland. They have proven to be successful in keeping people alive and providing necessary health care."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 March 2017
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
27 January 2005
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
12 January 2024
Drug Overdose Prevention Centres Could Prevent Thousands Of Deaths
A major new report led by Queen's University Belfast has highlighted that drug overdose prevention centres (OPCs) could prevent thousands of deaths, reduce the spread of serious disease, improve communities, save taxpayer money and with no increase in drug-related crime.
26 February 2009
NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.