The first major study into drug use among homeless people has found alarming levels of illicit use. Some 52 per cent of those surveyed had used drugs such as heroin, cocaine or cannabis within the last month, compared with just 3 per cent of the general population.
The findings, contained in a report published yesterday by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), show drug use is one of the main reasons for people becoming homeless.
Family conflict was cited as the main reason for becoming homeless (24 per cent), followed by drug use (19 per cent) and alcohol abuse (13 per cent).
More than one-third of people surveyed were classified as problematic drug users, 20 per cent were currently injecting drugs, and 10 per cent were doing so in public spaces.
The level of drug use was highest in Dublin (59 per cent), followed by Cork (42 per cent), Galway (36 per cent) and Limerick (25 per cent).
Rough sleepers were most likely to be current users of illicit drugs (73 per cent), followed by homeless people in B&Bs (67 per cent) and hostels (43 per cent).
The research was commissioned by the NACD and carried out by Merchant's Quay Ireland.
Given that the vast majority of homeless people surveyed cited stable accommodation as their primary need, the NACD has recommended that an adequate supply of social and voluntary housing be made available.
The Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Noel Ahern, said the finding threw valuable light on drug use among homeless people. "It's clear the needs of homeless drug users pose a challenge to a number of Government departments and agencies."
NACD director Maireád Lyons said she was confident the findings would contribute to the development of improved services for homeless drug users.