229. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when the National Coordination Committee on Drugs met; and its role and remit. [44064/13]

 

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Alex White): I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.

The Deputy will be aware that I announced details of a series of measures last December arising from a review of Drugs Task Forces in order to better equip them to respond to the current pattern of substance misuse. These measures included the extension of the remit of the Task Forces to include alcohol addiction and the establishment of a National Coordinating Committee for Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. This new committee will replace the Drugs Advisory Group. As measures to address the abuse of alcohol remain under consideration by the Government, the National Coordinating Committee has not met, and I am not yet in a position to provide clear time-scales for its establishment. Broadly speaking, the committee will drive implementation of the strategies on substance misuse at local and regional level and will oversee, monitor and support the work of the Task Forces.

The Drugs Advisory Group last met on 16th January 2013, and its agenda is outlined as follows:

1. Minutes and matters arising

2. Review of Drugs Task Forces and the Structures of the National Drugs Strategy

3. Release of 2013 funding to Drugs Task Force projects

4. Liaison/C&V Sector Feedback – significant issues

5. A.O.B./Date of Next Meeting.

It was agreed that if a further meeting of the Drugs Advisory Group was necessary, the Department would contact members.