Vol. 488 No. 2
84 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish an annual report for each forthcoming year to track the progress of the drugs prevention programmes undertaken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3195/98]
Drug prevention programmes and initiatives undertaken by my Department are evaluated and progress is monitored on an ongoing basis where this is both appropriate and feasible. As many of the programmes are long-term such as the school based "On My Own Two Feet", it could be detrimental and misleading to expect progress on a short-term basis. A summary of initiatives is available and a directory of resources has been published. I am satisfied that arrangements currently in place to evaluate on a qualitative and quantitative basis are satisfactory and I intend to continue to review progress in this matter.
