47. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  if his attention has been drawn to the significant piece of research undertaken by the Ballyfermot local drugs task force in 2007 and the needs that were identified on foot of that research; and if he will ensure that ample resources are made available to meet those needs. [5436/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey): I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Strategic Plan that has been prepared by Ballyfermot Local Drugs Task Force. In December 2006 the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) invited the Local Drug Task Forces (LDTFs) to undertake a process of strategic review to identify the extent to which the services being provided meet current needs and to consider what changes and improvements might be considered. On completion of the reviews by the LDTFs, they will be reviewed by the NDST with a view to developing an overall strategic approach for the future. It is anticipated that this process will feed into the work that has started on the development of a new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009-2016. I am advised that the Strategic Plan prepared by Ballyfermot LDTF has been submitted to the NDST and that it is being considered by them at present. I expect that a copy of the finalised document will be forwarded to me in due course and I will consider any recommendations therein in the context of the development of a new Strategy.

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