92002E0081

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0081/02

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(25 January 2002)

Subject: Drugs in prisons

According to a recent report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, more than 50 % of prison inmates in the EU take drugs. The report reveals wide differences between the Member States. For example, Portugal and Spain have the highest levels of consumption, Austria the lowest.

Given that the fight against drugs is a top EU priority, will the Commission say what measures it has taken to date to combat this particular aspect of the problem and with what results? Does its action plan on drugs (2000-2004) include practical measures to combat drug trafficking in prisons?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(21 February 2002)

The annual report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) states that problem drug users and/or intravenous drug users may represent up to 50 % of the prison population in some areas. As the Honourable Member points out, the percentages for drug use among prison inmates vary considerably from one Member State to another.

Prison policy is a matter for the Member States. In its Drugs Strategy for 2000-2004, the Union stresses the importance of developing preventive measures applicable to the prison environment, alternatives to imprisonment and special facilities for addicted prisoners.

Furthermore, on the basis of a Commission proposal, the Feira European Council on 19 and 20 June 2000 approved the Action Plan on Drugs (2000-2004)(1), in which Member States are encouraged to intensify their efforts to provide drug prevention and treatment services and, where appropriate, measures to reduce health related damage for inmates while in prison and on their release.

On the basis of contributions from the Member States, the Commission will carry out an evaluation of the entire action plan on drugs at mid-term (end-2002) and at the end of the period concerned (end-2004). It will give careful attention to the prison policy aspect and will, where appropriate, consider any initiatives that might be taken in this field.

(1) COM(2001) 301, 8.6.2001.