Briefing document which sets out 8 key issues identified by our networks as immediate priorities for action:

• Allocate an emerging needs fund to support the work of local Community Drug Projects across the country to respond to current and emerging service gaps
• Pass the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill without any further delay  
• Give a mandate to each Local and Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to develop a three-year action plan that sets out how the 50 NDS actions will be implemented in their area
• Appoint a senior official from the Taoiseach’s Department to ensure direct accountability of all agencies for their active participation in implementing the new NDS
• Put in place a Community Development Programme to support the real and meaningful community participation in the NDS
• Appoint Citywide as members of the Working Group on Alternative Approaches to possession of drugs for personal use, based on its track record of leading out ion this issue     
• Use a partnership approach to the design and development of the new scheme proposed for young people and involve young people from the target group directly in the partnership    
• As a matter of urgency bring together all the relevant stakeholders to develop an action plan on drug-related intimidation