367. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has given any consideration to the appointment of a junior Minister with sole responsibility for drug policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42944/14]

Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As Minister for Health, I have overall responsibility for the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. The overall strategic objective for the National Drugs Strategy is to continue to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply, reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. In line with the Programme for Government, I am committed to delivering on the objectives of the Strategy. The Oversight Forum on Drugs which I chair, is responsible for the high-level monitoring of progress being achieved across the Strategy in the context of the aims, priorities, actions and key performance indicators set out therein.

In addition, I am responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy 2012, in accordance with last October's Government decision.