Irish top EU table for drugs access

IRISH schoolchildren report the easiest access out of 35 European countries to a range of drugs as well as alcoholic spirits.

A European school survey found Irish schoolchildren aged 15 and 16 report the highest availability of amphetamines, ecstasy and inhalants. They are also well above the European average in their reported access to cannabis.

According to the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs 2007:

25% of Irish schoolchildren said it was either fairly or very easy to access amphetamines. This is the joint-highest out of the 35 countries and compares with an average of 15%.

31% said it was fairly or very easy to get ecstasy. This is the highest and compares with an average of 18%.

72% said it was fairly or very easy to access inhalants. This is the joint-highest and compares with an average of 44%.

In relation to cannabis, 43% said it was fairly or very easy to get. This is joint-11th and compares with an average of 33%.

Regarding alcohol, Irish teens top the table for access to spirits, at 75%, compared with an average of 56%. In terms of drunkenness, they are in seventh position, with 47% getting drunk within the last year.

The survey is carried out every four years.