Strategic plan consultation
An extensive and inclusive consultation process was undertaken to facilitate input into this strategic plan. The methods used in the consultation process were informed by qualitative research methods. Guided by this, it was decided to use focus groups as an efficient way of engaging large numbers of individuals in a discursive exploration of local drug related issues that they felt needed to be addressed.

A semi-structured questionnaire was designed for use in the focus groups to encourage reflection on the nature and extent of local drug-related problems over the last 5-years, consider additional action we could take to address these and make suggestions on how the Task Force could tackle them over the next 4-years. 16 focus groups were organised involving residents, local drug users, clients of treatment services, and professionals working for voluntary and statutory services who had direct and indirect contact with individuals affected by drugs. Over 200 individuals participated in these focus groups. Each focus group was digitally recorded so that the focus group discussions could be accurately analysed.

Throughout the process the drug situation in Finglas and Cabra was perceived as “not just one problem with one solution.” It continues to be a complex multi-dimensional problem requiring all sectors and agencies to work together. There was a very supportive reaction to the focus group process from all stakeholders who participated in it. Service users, in particular, saw it as a useful way to voice their concerns about the drug situation in their community and to engage with the Task Force in relation to this.

Contents include:
• Changes in drug related crime p.5
• Changes in drugs and drug use p.6
• Changes in the pattern of availability p.8
• Change in community safety and policing p.9
• Prevention and education p.9
• Drug treatment p.10
• Perceptions of success in relation to the local drug situation p.20
• Specific policy priorities put forward in the consultation process p.11