John Bruton
Question:477 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if Delegation of Function Orders have been made or will be made in respect of the Ministers of State at his Department; and if will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Delegation of Functions Orders.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:479 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health if all Ministers of State at his Department have been given clear indications of their areas of responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 479 together.
The Government has made a delegation of functions order under which certain powers and duties vested in me were delegated to the Minister of State at my Department, Mr. William O'Dea, TD. The general areas of responsibility involved are (a) public health, including such matters as food hygiene, licensing of pharmaceuticals, powers and duties in relation to the Misuse of Drugs Acts and (b) services for homeless children.
In addition to statutory powers and duties under the Misuse of Drugs Acts the Minister for State will have responsibility on a non-statutory basis for the coordination of national policy and services in relation to drug abuse.