A senior member of the Gardaí has called on the Government to establish a dedicated agency to prevent drug-related deaths.

Chief Superintendent Mick Finn proposes that authorities launch a Drug Safety Agency and operate it in a similar manner to the Road Safety Authority if they're serious about slashing the number of drug deaths. 

Finn told a special joint policing committee meeting on heroin in Cork that while the Gardaí works to stop drug suppliers, help needs to be provided for drug users and those born into areas of social deprivation where reliance on drugs is more common.

He also called for a zero tolerance approach to heroin. 

"It is only when all the players — the HSE, the Garda Síochána and the City Council — sit down around the table together like today that you will get things done," he said as reported by the Irish Examiner.

Tony Geoghegan from Ireland's leading drugs project Merchants Quay welcomes the call.

"I think it's an interesting take on it, particularly coming from a Garda perspective, because Gardai are usually involved in supply reduction. I welcome all calls that advocate treatment, education and prevention rather than seeking to further criminalise people who use drugs."