Vol. 534 No. 1
199 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of task forces in operation; the areas that they cover; if he has satisfied himself with the present situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10187/01]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to local drugs task forces in his question. Considerable progress has been made in ensuring that all institutions of State are working together to implement an integrated approach to the drugs problem through initiatives such as national drug strategy, the young people's facilities and services fund and the integrated services process. I am satisfied that these measures represent a balanced approach to the problems posed by drugs and drug addiction at local level. These measures to reduce the demand for drugs are vital to ensuring young people in particular are made aware of the danger of drugs and are given worthwhile and tangible alternatives to prevent them from falling into a cycle of drug misuse and crime.
Fourteen local drugs task forces have been established in priority areas identified as having the most acute drugs problem, namely, Ballyfermot, Ballymun, Blanchardstown, Bray, the canal communities of Rialto, Bluebell and Inchicore, Clondalkin, Coolock, Darndale, Donnycarney and Kilbarrack, Cork, Dublin 12, Drimnagh, Crumlin, Walkinstown, and Lower Crumlin, Dun Laoghaire, Rathdown, Finglas, Cabra, north inner city, south inner city, and Tallaght. A review of the national drugs strategy is almost complete. The aim of the review is to identify gaps or deficiencies in the current strategy and to develop revised strategies and, if necessary, new structures through which to develop them. This should ensure that current policies and strategies remain relevant to the situation as it exists on the ground. It is expected that the new strategy will be launched in the near future.
