PHA could be ‘open to contemplating’ live performance drug testing

The Public Health Agency (PHA) “would be open to considering” drug testing at live shows and festivals, a director on the organisation has mentioned.

It comes after police issued a warning about upcoming music events and mentioned they have been dedicated to “tackling the illegal supply and use of illicit drugs”.

They are investigating the deaths of two young people following the Emerge dance competition in Belfast final weekend, however haven’t commented on whether or not their investigations contain a medication hyperlink.

At the Electric Picnic competition within the Republic of Ireland this weekend, the Health Service Executive mentioned groups would provide free and confidential back-of-house drug checking for evaluation.

Charities in England provide the same service at occasions and gigs.

However the PHA’s Director of Public Health, Dr Joanne McClean, mentioned drug testing will not be one thing the organisation might perform by themselves as there could be quite a lot of authorized points to resolve.

“There are legislative elements to this, there are licencing elements and there are resourcing issues as well,” she instructed BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme.

She added: “The police in their statement about the event have reminded people that being caught in possession of drugs is a crime and they will prosecute it.”

Dr McClean didn’t touch upon particular medication deaths, however mentioned “in general terms” if the police or different organisations are “aware of a substance or something that has caused the death or harm to people that could impact other people, we would expect that they would make the Public Health Agency aware of it and other partners”.

“From a public health point of view, from my point of view, from the Agency’s point of view we would much prefer that people didn’t take illegal drugs, didn’t take substances they didn’t know what they are, it carries a risk,” Dr McClean added.

Professor Fiona Meashem, is founding father of the drug checking charity The Loop, which presents drug testing companies at festivals in different components of the UK.

“I think very quickly people became very trusting of The Loop, which was great to see,” Professor Meashem mentioned.

“We were clear that we’re not working directly to either the police or public health, or to the festival.

“But we’re there to scale back hurt on website.”

She said there is a lab on site with chemists “who will quickly take a look at what’s in circulation” and “get that data out”.

“But additionally importantly, we’ve healthcare professionals on website, docs and nurses, and so they’re those who can translate the chemistry, should you like, on to most people and to be placing out messages that are correct and true,” Professor Meashem added.

A police investigation is underway into the deaths of two young people who had attended the Emerge dance music festival in Belfast at the weekend.

Mia Keevan, 17, from County Tipperary became unwell at the event and died shortly afterwards in hospital.

In a separate incident, 24-year-old Trae Keenan, from County Down, died in rented accommodation in the city centre a few hours after the event ended.

Mia was visiting Belfast from Carrick-on-Suir to attend the event.

Investigations are still continuing into what caused her death.

Belfast district commander Supt Allister Hagan said: “During the occasion it was reported {that a} 17-year-old lady had change into unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital.”

Mr Keenan also attended the festival and took unwell and died after he returned to his rented accommodation in Belfast.

He worked as a chef and had a four-month-old son.

The Irish News reported Mr Keenan had beforehand suffered from coronary heart issues and bronchial asthma.

The family told the newspaper he had suffered a panic attack and his death was not linked to drugs.

Police are still investigating both deaths and said a number of arrests were made over the weekend.

Some Belfast councillors have expressed frustration at what have they said is a lack of information from the PHA following the deaths at the weekend.

Belfast City Council officers met the organisers of Emerge and other key stakeholders on Wednesday for a “de-brief”.

On Thursday Alliance Party councillor, Micky Murray, told BBC News NI it was “extremely disappointing” that the PHA had not made themselves available to discuss recent events.

Murray said this had allowed speculation over the deaths of the two young people and for the “narrative to be managed by social media”.

He said health and safety is important, especially as other large festivals and events take place across Belfast.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth echoed Murray’s views and said the lack of communication from the PHA has “fuelled on-line hypothesis and created a vacuum” on how safe events are and what is being done to keep people safe.

“This is available in mild of knowledge launched by the Electric Picnic competition within the Republic for individuals to concentrate on excessive efficiency MDMA that’s in circulation,” Smyth added.

In a statement organisers said they were “saddened by the dying of Mia Keevan and provide our sincerest condolences to her household and pals at this extremely tough time”.

“We are absolutely participating with all of the related stakeholders and statutory our bodies, offering as a lot data and help as required.

“The safety and wellbeing of everyone attending our events remains our highest priority.

“We won’t be making any additional remark whereas the police investigation stays ongoing.”

Emerge music festival is the biggest dance music event in Northern Ireland.

It usually takes place over the August bank holiday weekend at Boucher Playing Fields in south Belfast and attracts crowds of about 40,000 dance music fans each day.

This yr the competition was headlined by Fatboy Slim on Saturday and Bicep on Sunday, whereas Sammy Virji, Fjaak, Sonny Fodera and Danny Howard have been additionally on the road up.