The NACDA was established in response to the drug problem to assist in our continued need to improve our knowledge and understanding of problem drug use.
The goal of the NACDA is to advise the Government on problem drug use in Ireland in relation to prevalence, prevention consequences and treatment based on our analysis and interpretation of research findings.
Monday 4th October 2004
Four community research reports funded under the National Advisory Committee on Drugs’ (NACD) Community / Voluntary Sector Research Grant Scheme were launched today [Monday 4.10.04] by Mr Noel Ahern, TD, Minister of State for the National Drug Strategy at a conference on ‘Exploring Drug Issues Through Community Research’. Nearly 200 people from the community and voluntary sector around the country will discuss key findings and recommendations put forward in the reports in relation to local drug issues.
The four research projects funded by the scheme were the Ballymun Youth Action Project (BYAP), the Kilbarrack Coast Community Programme (KCCP), Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) and the Tallaght Homeless Advice Unit (THAU).
Opening the conference today, Minster Noel Ahern congratulated the projects on their achievement in producing valuable research reports. He said “the issues will feed into the current midterm review of the National Drug Strategy.”
Dr Des Corrigan, Chairperson, NACD said
"We intended that the research grant scheme would generate innovative, community-based drugs research and inform gaps in our knowledge and contribute to the development of public policy. These four reports are an excellent example of what can be achieved through funding community based research. I wish to acknowledge the support of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in facilitating the funding for this grant scheme"
Despite examining diverse issues, a common thread emerging across all reports is that the continued enhancement of services and commitment to education is vital at a local level. The findings of these research reports provide the knowledge and information necessary for this. The four research projects examine the following issues:
Following the launch of the scheme in 2001, the NACD received over 100 enquiries and 35 applications from across the country. The scheme was developed with monitoring and support mechanisms built in at all stages from initial application to the conclusion of the research studies, to ensure research was conducted to the highest methodological standards.
ENDS
For further information:
Jane O’Dwyer (086 6491408) / Pat Montague (087 2549123) at Montague Communications, Tel. 01 8377960