1741. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he has met with north inner-city community networks in Dublin regarding the North Inner City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force. [1517/22]

Frank Feighan Minister of State at the Department of Health: The Department has been notified of a recent email purporting to be from the North Inner City Task Force informing local services that the task force is no longer in a position to function. This follows the resignation of the outgoing chairperson and the impasse that has arisen regarding the appointment of a new independent chairperson.

The Department had sought to work with the task force leadership and membership to address a number of concerns regarding the functioning and governance of the task force. This includes a consensual agreement on the selection and appointment of an independent chairperson. However, it was not possible to resolve these concerns without the support of all parties.

The Department is continuing to work with stakeholders in the north inner city to establish effective, inclusive and transparent governance of the task force and of the significant funding that it oversees.

Officials are currently engaged in a consultation process with stakeholders and community organisations have been invited to participate in this process. I would ask for the support of the Deputy in this regard.

I expect to shortly receive a report on the consultation, which will inform the next steps in re-establishing the task force