476. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if current community and voluntary representatives on the national oversight committee, NOC, on national drugs strategy, NDS, will have a role in deciding membership of the new civil society forum; if they will receive automatic membership; and if this group will take over their places on the NOC. [21926/22] 

Frank Feighan, Minister of State at the Department of Health: Six strategic priorities have been identified arising from the mid-term review of national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery; A health-led response to drug and alcohol use. New structures are being put in place to support the implementation of these priorities. The Department of Health has proposed broadening and deepening civil society representation on the oversight structures for implementing the national drugs strategy, in line with actions 39 and 44 of the strategy. A transparent process has been put in place to include additional representation of civil society organisations. 

Partnership between the statutory, community and voluntary sectors has been a major factor in the success of previous strategies and continues to be the cornerstone of the new strategy. The strategy recognises that there are a great variety of community and voluntary organisations and that their commitment and knowledge can build the capacity to respond to the use of drugs with flexibility and sensitivity. These organisations play a valuable role in promoting positive social change, in conjunction with service users, families and local communities. 

It is proposed that the civil society representatives on the National Oversight Committee for the National Drugs Strategy, and on the six Strategic Implementation Groups, will form a civil society group on drugs. This will provide a stronger voice for civil society organisations in the implementation of the strategy. It is important to reiterate that there is no proposal to remove existing community and voluntary groups from the national oversight committee. 

The Department has had initial discussions with civil society organisations in relation to the role of the proposed civil society group on drugs. Feedback received is being considered and the proposal is being elaborated to take account of this feedback, for further consideration. 

I am committed to working in partnership with civil society organisations in the implementation of the national drugs strategy and I believe the establishment of a civil society group can strengthen this engagement.