1093. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide further details with respect to the establishment of 11 regional structures under the National Drugs Strategy; to clarify the governance, funding and accountability arrangements for these structures; if these new structures will replace or absorb existing local drug and alcohol task forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9812/26]
1094. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide further details with respect to the population-based planning that will be used for new National Drugs Strategy structures; the way in which deprivation and local need will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9813/26]
1095. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the consultation that has taken place with local drug and alcohol task forces and communities ahead of the proposed regional structures under the National Drugs Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9814/26]
1096. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the way in which the independent, community-led nature, and preventative role, of local drug and alcohol task forces will be protected in the new proposed regional structures under the National Drugs Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9815/26]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1093, 1094, 1095 and 1096 together.

The process of developing the next National Drugs Strategy is ongoing.

I recently received the draft national drug strategy, developed by an expert steering group and a reference group of frontline services and people with lived experience. The draft strategy sets out an integrated, equitable and evidence-based response to drug and harmful alcohol use.

I have agreed with the Joint Committee on Drug Use that I will share the draft Strategy with them shortly to inform their deliberations and that I will take cognisance of any recommendations they make in their final report, in the finalisation of the National Drug Strategy.

The next steps in finalising the National Drug Strategy are as follows:

- a public consultation to gather the views of the public on the draft strategy.

- a process of engagement to review the regional governance structures for the strategy and to ensure their alignment with the HSE Health Regions. This process will include all stakeholders, including both the HSE and the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. This process will be concluded by June 2026.

You may be assured that I fully intend to ensure the continued community-led role of task forces under the HSE health regions to coordinate the planning, funding and delivery of drug services.

The expert steering group will take cognisance of the report of the Joint Committee, the results of the public consultation and the process of engagement in relation to future governance and submit a revised strategy and action plan to me.

It is my aim to bring the finalised strategy and action plan to Government for approval in July 2026.

Question No. 1094 answered with Question No. 1093.

Question No. 1095 answered with Question No. 1093.

Question No. 1096 answered with Question No. 1093.