Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

46 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress made to date on the review of the operation of the national drugs strategy; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21111/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Mr. E. Ryan)

A comprehensive review of the national drugs strategy was initiated earlier this year. The objective of the review is to identify any gaps or deficiencies in the current strategy, develop revised strategies and, if necessary, new structures through which to deliver them. The overall aim is to ensure that the policies and strategies which are being pursued at present remain relevant to the situation as it exists on the ground.

Due to the high level of public interest in the review and the essential role played by the voluntary and community sectors in the execution of the current strategy, a thorough and lengthy nationwide consultation process was carried out over the summer months.

Initially interested individuals and organisations were invited to make a submission and 189 of these were received. Eight regional consultative fora were also held around the country at which more than 600 people took part. I subsequently invited more than 30 agencies and organisations to make detailed presentations to further assist in the identification of any gaps or deficiencies in the current strategy.

It is hoped to have the review completed by the end of the year.

Question No. 47 taken with Question No. 17.

Question No. 48 taken with Question No. 24.