Vol. 517 No. 1
49 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach the number of times and days the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs met this Dáil term; the measures, if any, to combat drug misuse which have been approved by the Government arising from the committee's proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8768/00]
The Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs has met on two occasions during this Dáil term. Meetings took place on Thursday, 27 January and Wednesday, 24 February 2000. The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 21 March has been postponed until 12 April as the Taoiseach was travelling to the Special European Council in Lisbon on that day.
The Cabinet committee continues to give political direction to the national drugs strategy and the young people's facilities and services fund. The meetings provide an opportunity to review trends, assess progress in the relevant strategies and programmes and resolve any policy and organisational problems which may arise.
At its two meetings during this Dáil term, the Cabinet committee has noted the progress made in implementing these initiatives which are aimed at addressing the drugs problem in a targeted manner.
At its meeting in February, the committee considered the report of the interim advisory committee on drugs which was established, inter alia, to make recommendations on the role, structure, and composition of a national advisory committee which would have continuing responsibility for research and information on drug misuse in Ireland. This matter will now be submitted to Government.
