Question:
18 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress made to date on the review of the operation of the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25971/00]
Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.
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.
There was a high level of public interest in the review and I decided to carry out a thorough and lengthy nationwide consultation process 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 over 600 people took part. I subsequently invited over 30 agencies and organisations to make detailed presentations to further assist in the identification of any gaps or deficiencies in the current strategy.
I hope to have the review completed by the end of the year.
Question No. 19 taken with Question No. 14.