The level of drug use among young people here is above the European Union (EU) average.

A Eurobarometer survey published today shows an increase in those who have used cannabis and other designer drugs in the last 30 days.

16% of young Irish people have used cannabis in the last month - an increase of 7% since the last survey in 2011.

This is compared to a seven percent average in the EU.

And 22% of people surveyed here have used designer drugs in the last 30 days, a rise of 6% since the last survey. This compares to 8% at EU level.

Almost two-thirds of young Europeans perceive regular cannabis use to be dangerous, compared to 46% of young Irish people

57% of young Europeans consider regular alcohol intake dangerous, compared to 42% in Ireland.

Opinions on the banning of substances - such as heroin, cocaine and ecstasy - are similar across Irish and European youths at around 90%.