CLEAN needles are still not available to drug users across most of the country, risking the spread of infectious diseases, a report has warned.

ALMOST 370 experienced gardaí are to retire early from the force this year, according to new figures.

THE Government yesterday declared its decentralisation programme was on track as an extra €200 million plus was pledged towards the scheme in the 2006 Estimates.

IMPLEMENTATION of the Government’s national drugs strategy is being threatened by the actions of the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health, it was claimed yesterday.

THERE are an estimated 2,000-plus heroin users outside Dublin, according to the first national study on opiate use.