312. Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children  the membership of the working group set up to examine the links between drug and alcohol policies; and if she will appoint a representative from the community and voluntary sector to the group in view of the fact that it was that sector that called for the establishment of the group. [7251/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): The membership of the working group referred to in the question is drawn from my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Drugs Strategy Team. As the Deputy is aware, the National Drugs Strategy Team is an inter-agency group which includes representation from the community & voluntary sector. My Department asked the Team to nominate a member to the Working Group given the Team’s responsibility under the National Drugs Strategy to ensure effective co-ordination between Government Departments, relevant State Agencies and the community and voluntary sector. It is open to the Team to nominate a representative from the community & voluntary sector to the Working Group.

Vol. 632 No. 4 Written Answers Tuesday, 27 February 2007