asked the Minister for Health the reason the Government did not publish the report of the Ministers of State on drug abuse; and if he will agree that the report should now be published in full so that there can be a full public discussion on it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Report on Drug Abuse.
5.
The Special Government Task Force on Drug Abuse was established by the Government and is a Cabinet sub-committee. It is normal Government policy not to publish the reports of Cabinet sub-committees.
In view of the serious nature of the drug problem here will the Minister agree that a wide debate on it and consideration of solutions to the problem would be of benefit? Will the Minister agree that the publication of the findings of the task force would be of benefit for such a debate?
A group of Ministers of State were asked to examine critically all aspects of the drug problem and make a report to the Government. The Government considered that report, issued a comprehensive statement and took considerable action in the area. I should like to assure the Deputy that the report received lengthy consideration by the Government as is the normal procedure.
Will the Minister indicate to what extent the recommendations of the Government arising from that report cover the suggestions made by the task force?
The Deputy will appreciate that in regard to a number of recommendations made by a Cabinet sub-committee questions of security are involved. It would be inappropriate to publish such sections of a report because it would alert criminal elements to what we might intend doing. Decisions of that nature will not be published but I should like to assure the Deputy that proposals in relation to amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Criminal Justice Bill, before the House at present, the establishing of treatment centres in Jervis Street or James' Street and a whole range of other measures are being implemented. I have received additional resources from the Government to enable me to implement the various recommendations.
In view of the widespread public concern about this matter will the Minister tell the House if he has set a date by which the recommendations must be finalised and will be implemented?
Some of the recommendations have been implemented and the remainder will be implemented as soon as possible. Early in 1983 we made arrangements for a special training course in Trinity College for social work counsellors and gardaí and that course will commence on 1 January next. We set aside, out of this year's resources, a special allocation to enable that course to commence. My Department have had detailed discussions with the authorities at James' Street hospital with a view to setting up a treatment centre there. Many other measures, such as amending the Misuse of Drugs Act, are ongoing and I imagine that by the end of 1984 a great deal of legislative and administrative work will have been completed.