Major Concerns Over Growing number of Irish Children Being Lured Into Drugs Trade

The data, which was provided by the Irish Courts Service, exposes the growing popularity of "coercing and exploiting" children and teenagers to push drugs in communities across the country.
912 juveniles appeared before the courts for drug related offences from January 2014 up to May of this year, according to Information published under the Freedom of Information Act.
From his engagement with those working on the front-line in drug treatment services, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for National Drugs Strategy, Jack Chambers TD says "it is known that some Irish children are dabbling in drugs from as young as 10".
He adds, “Children and teenagers are becoming increasingly exposed to the drugs trade whether through personal use or intent to supply.
“Furthermore, members of organised crime gangs are targeting vulnerable youth to handle drugs, knowing that they are less likely to attract suspicion and takes away the risk of getting caught with supplies themselves.
“Young people are being forced into and then trapped in the drug industry by lucrative offers of quick cash payment for supplying and dealing"
Fianna Fáil's Spokesperson for National Drugs Strategy believes that "we must dispel the myth that issues regarding young people and drugs are confined to urban areas in Ireland; it spans every small town and village nationwide".
The latest data shows that some children are actually getting caught with quantities of Class A drugs, including heroin and cocaine.
However, research carried out by the Ballymun Youth Action Project earlier this month highlighted the significant level of cannabis use among young early school leavers in their community.
“The general perception is that cannabis is a recreational substance that is rarely associated with problem drug use, but the reality is that this drug can cause significant levels of harm," says Chambers.
“Education must be central to the response required to deal with this problem. While individual schools can set their own standard in relation to the education of drugs, it is crucial that the Department adopt a comprehensive cross-curricular programme for educating school goers about the issues associated with drug use and supply.
"We must teach our younger generation about the adverse effects of a criminal conviction for drug offences on a person’s future prospects including employability and travel.
"Children engaging in drug use or associated crime are at a far greater risk of graduating into adult criminality and the Government must be urged to take more precaution to put a stop to this cycle."
Chambers concluded, “There is no silver bullet to immediately tackle these numbers but there are measures that can be introduced on a long-term basis.”