Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

129 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the implications of the national drugs strategy for his Department; and the precise actions which have been taken to ensure compliance with this strategy. [14200/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am aware that, in recent days, the communities most affected by the drugs problem have expressed a fear that the issue of drugs will be lost sight of as a priority for Government. Community concern, and it is a legitimate concern, is to ensure that the progress made by the last Government is not undermined in any way.

I can assure the communities in question on that score. This Government, as did the last Government, intends to keep the fight against drugs to the forefront of the political agenda. This is clearly reflected in An Agreed Programme for Government which recognises the fight against drugs as one of society's great challenges.

The national drugs strategy for the period up to 2008 brings together all elements of drugs policy into a single framework. Responsibilities are clearly assigned across Departments and agencies. They will implement a series of 100 actions across the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research.

A number of these actions come within the remit of my Department and its related agencies. In order to advance these actions a number of steering groups and working groups have been established within the Department, the Garda Síochána and the Prisons Service. Consultations are also taking place with competent authorities where there is an agency overlap.

In accordance with the agreed evaluation framework, it is proposed to report to the interdepartmental group on drugs on the progress being made towards key strategic goals in the strategy. It is intended that an annual report will be published on the nature and extent of the drug problem in Ireland and on progress being made in achieving the objectives set out in the strategy.