Irish Examiner view: Drug use far from a victimless crime

We must put an onus on users of cocaine to recognise what they are really involved in

It should be spelt out more clearly, for instance, that a good deal of the violence in society, the assaults, murders, and intimidation which feature in news bulletins and court reports on a daily basis, has the drugs trade lurking behind it. Picture: iStock

Many readers will be aware of anecdotal suggestions that cocaine use is so widespread now in Ireland that it no longer carries the social stigma it once did. For some, using the drug is an accepted and unremarkable part of their social lives.

Data from the Health Research Board (HRB) certainly supports the idea that cocaine is widely used: According to its 2025 Drug Treatment Demand report, powder cocaine cases were recorded from every county in Ireland. There was an increase of 16% in treatment cases last year compared to the previous year — 15,442 in 2025, up from 13,295 in 2024.

Further analysis of the report shows a disquieting proportion of those cases related to cocaine — a total of 6,535 cases, an increase of 24% on 2024. It also accounted for the highest number of all treatment cases (42%, followed by opioids — mostly heroin — on 25%). Cocaine also accounted for 51% of new treatment cases, which is seen as a more accurate reflection of current trends.

Other data points in the report are deeply concerning, such as the problems caused by cannabis among teenagers and the increase in the use of synthetic drugs. Those cannot be ignored, but clearly cocaine use is so widespread now in Irish society that it must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Traditional anti-drug measures include legislation and enforcement, as well as resourcing police forces, are options which must form part of a wide-ranging strategy.

However, we must also put an onus on users of cocaine to recognise what they are really involved in — a chain of human misery and exploitation which concludes with their night’s entertainment.

It should be spelt out more clearly, for instance, that a good deal of the violence in society, the assaults, murders, and intimidation which feature in news bulletins and court reports on a daily basis, has the drugs trade lurking behind it.

The social user of cocaine at the weekend must accept his or her direct culpability in the violence committed by drug gangs. Despite what he or she may say to themselves, cocaine use is far from a victimless crime.

Erosion of privacy

The erosion of privacy has been one of the more unexpected consequences of modern technology. Many people are unhappy with the prospect of their personal data being shared by tech companies — with or without the consent of users — and the very concept of private information sometimes seems beleaguered, if not actually unsustainable.

However, that does not mean gross and overt intrusion can be accepted. As outlined this week here by Emer Walsh, there are now calls for smart glasses and wearable
recording devices to be limited.

Senator Laura Harmon said this week in the Oireachtas that regulation must be kept abreast of technological advances when she advocated for measures to protect privacy and to reflect informed consent.

Ms Harmon is from Cork where a well-known social media personality has filmed people without their knowledge or consent, and posted edited versions of that content online.

As reported here last month, the individual concerned filmed a young woman during a medical emergency, using Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Though that video was removed by TikTok, it remains online on Meta platforms, as the
company says it did not violate its terms of service.

The abdication of responsibility by a tech company such as Meta should surprise nobody. Such companies have consistently sought to avoid acknowledging that they might be culpable in cases like this.

It is hardly surprising that their example is being followed by social media influencers in turn. Readers may feel that individuals should be able to recognise the basic principles of morality and to refrain from filming someone experiencing a medical emergency, but clearly that is not the case.

Ms Harmon’s call for legislation in this area is necessary because, shocking though it may seem, there are individuals who feel entitled to film and record others no matter the circumstances.

In their disregard for basic human decency, these individuals appear to be following the lead of the very tech companies which are giving them a platform: A disheartening prospect.

Sauna bylaws matter of common sense

Kerry County Council acted this week to regulate a growth industry in its jurisdiction which was threatening to expand beyond all control.

The growing number of beachside saunas to be found around the Kingdom meant officialdom has had to take charge, and not before time. At a meeting of the council this week, it was stated that there are 10 such saunas on the Dingle Peninsula alone and plenty of others elsewhere in the county.

The bylaws are largely a matter of common sense — applicants for permits must set out noise-prevention measures and hours of operation to prevent light pollution, for instance.

One submission stated there had to be “a clear line of sight to the sea and along the access route” in order for staff to monitor sauna users — because of the risk of cold water shock and drowning due to the gasp reflex.

The submission above does raise an obvious question about whether users are sufficiently aware of these risks —however slight.

Overall, it is good to see common-sense regulation of this new beachside phenomenon enjoyed by so many.

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