476. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health to confirm that the new national drugs strategy which is currently under development will be one integrated national substance misuse strategy inclusive of all drugs including alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19222/16]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): Government policy on tackling the drug problem is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. A Steering Committee, chaired by an independent chair and with representatives from the Statutory, Community and Voluntary Sectors, has been established to advise on the development of a new National Drugs Strategy, which will cover the period from 2017 onwards.

The terms of reference of the Steering Committee includes the development of an integrated public health approach to substance misuse, which is defined as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances including alcohol and illicit drugs, incorporating the relevant recommendations of other related policies including the National Substance Misuse Strategy.

The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill remains a priority for this Government. The Government approved the publication of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill and the introduction of the Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 8 December 2015. The Bill completed Second Stage in the Seanad on the 17 December 2015. The Department of Health is currently awaiting dates to progress the Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Bill is part of a suite of measures agreed on foot of the recommendations in the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy. Work is continuing on the implementation of the recommendations in the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy. It is intended to publish the First Annual Report on the National Substance Misuse Strategy later this year.

430. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of moves towards the provision of an integrated treatment service for all substance users as outlined in the national drug strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19073/16]

433. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of the national drug rehabilitation implementation committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/16]

439. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of a clinical and organisational governance framework for all treatment and rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19082/16]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): I propose to take Questions Nos. 430, 433 and 439 together.

Government policy in relation to drugs underlines the importance of providing opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use to a drug-free life, where that is achievable. In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Health Service Executive has reoriented the addiction services in recent years so that they are capable of dealing with all substances. The HSE is continuing to develop the spread and range of addiction services to achieve better coverage across the country, especially in areas most affected by the drug problem. Treatment is provided through a network of statutory and non-statutory agencies, using a four tier model of service delivery. The four tier model is based on the principle that drug treatment is best provided at the lowest level of complexity, matching the patient’s needs and as close to the patient’s home as possible.

The National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee (NDRIC) is chaired by the HSE and meets on a monthly basis. The primary objective of NDRIC is to oversee and monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation (2007). The Committee has developed a National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework which is crucial to achieving a more integrated treatment and rehabilitation service. The aim of the framework is to provide a 'continuum of care' for the recovering drug user through promoting a more integrated and person-centred approach to rehabilitation based on shared care planning. I am advised that the implementation of the National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework is a priority for the HSE and is currently being rolled out on a national basis.

I understand that the HSE is continuing to progress the development of a clinical and organisational governance framework, which provides for a governance structure setting out clear lines of authority, accountability and responsibility at all levels. The HSE National Addiction Governance Group are in the process of finalising a report on the matter, which will contribute to the achievement of this objective.