HSE says new cocaine awareness campaign will not encourage drug use

The HSE has insisted its new drug awareness campaign will not encourage more people to take drugs.

The health service launched the campaign in partnership with the Ana Liffey Drug Project as new figures show that cocaine is now more available - and at its highest purity - in Europe than it has been for over a decade.

According to the figures, cocaine is the continent's most commonly used illicit stimulant - with Ireland ranking fourth highest for its use among young adults.

Meanwhile, three out of 10 Irish people aged between 15 - 64-years-old have used cannabis, MDMA or cocaine in their lifetime.

The new campaign aims to highlight the dangers of cocaine - and provide guidance on reducing the harm for users.

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Ana Liffey CEO Tony Duffin said the campaign is about reducing the serious harm caused by drugs - and will not encourage anybody to begin using.

"It just doesn't," he said.

"I think the evidence is quite clear- the information is used by people who do take drugs.

"I think people find it interesting; I think people find it fascinating that the posters are up and it creates a conversation.

"But the idea that providing crack pipes to people makes people take crack - it just doesn't add up."