I have been informed by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation that the national drugs strategy team met recently with representative of this organisation and pointed out to it that the funding they are seeking might more appropriately be provided by a health board. The team advised them on how they might go about meeting the criteria set by the Eastern Regional Health Authority for the allocation of such funding.
I understand that since that meeting officials from the south western area health board have agreed to meet with representatives from the organisation to discuss its services and to look at any appropriate funding proposals. In relation to the assistance which may be given by the national drugs strategy team the health board will liaise with the strategy team about any possibilities in this regard.