Home > Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 1 - National Drugs Stratedy [5683/08].

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 1 - National Drugs Stratedy [5683/08]. (14 Feb 2008)

External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2...


1. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  the position regarding the development of a national drugs strategy from 2009 to 2016; if a steering group has been nominated to develop the strategy; when it is expected this group will meet; the timescale for the development of the strategy. [5683/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey): My Department has commenced work on the development of the new national drugs strategy for the period 2009 to 2016. I have established a steering group, comprising representatives of the key statutory, community and voluntary interests involved in tackling problem drug use, to make recommendations on a new strategy to me as the responsible Minister. The first meeting of the steering group was held on 10 January.

Over the coming months the steering group will be examining the progress and impact of the current national drugs strategy, the degree to which it continues to be relevant and the operational effectiveness of the structures involved. It will also examine developments regarding drug policies at EU and international levels. Following on from this work, the group will consider how a new strategy should address problem drug use and finalise recommendations to me in that regard.

A comprehensive public consultation process will be undertaken over the coming months as part of the work of developing the new strategy. I intend to be involved directly in many of the consultation meetings that are being planned at present. I also invite the spokespersons from the other parties to participate in that process, whenever they wish.

I intend to bring proposals for a new national drugs strategy to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion, children and integration by the end of the year.....

[For the full answer, click this link to the Oireachtas website]

 Vol. 647 No. 2, Written Answers, Thursday, 14 February 2008

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