Drug abuse by Maltese children of school age is above the EU average, according to statistics published by the European monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction (EMCDDA).

Four percent of under-16s use cocaine, which is just below the maximum range of five percent in the EU-27, minister for social solidarity Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said this morning.

Similarly, three percent of under-16s use Ecstasy. The maximum range of the use of that drug is four percent in the EU.

New clients entering treatment for cocaine abuse stood at 28.4% in 2011, which is also below the EU maximum range of 45%.

The minister said that there is dire need for a concentrated effort between government agencies and NGOs, in order to tackle drug abuse and get to its root causes, and not just look at its effects.

“We need to create a clear framework in conjunction with the ministry for education and youth agencies, in order to help youths make the right choices. We will be a proactive ministry, and not merely offer services to those who have already tipped over the edge,” the minister said.

The minister also announced an ongoing review of the national policies on drugs, with emphasis being placed on timely intervention. She also said that the government is considering setting up a drugs court.

Marilyn Clark, chairperson of the national commission for drugs, alcohol and other dependencies, said that the amount of new substances is on the increase. In 2012 alone, the commission was alerted to 70 new substances through the EMCDDA’s early warning system.

Dun Manwel Cordina, director of the OASI foundation, said that the issue is not a lack of services offered to drug users,  but rather arguing that an educational deficit exists. He said that drug abuse is not a class issue, and even the most highly educated individuals fall victim to abuse.

Mons. Carm Farrugia, representing the Caritas foundation, went on a diatribe against those making “millions” by exploiting people's weaknesses and vices.