Vol. 553 No. 5
263 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if a protocol has been reached for the treatment of those under 18 years of age presenting with serious drug problems, as laid down in the national drugs strategy to be agreed by mid-2002. [14562/02]
A working group for the implementation of this action of the National Drug Strategy 2001-2008 has been established and is chaired by an official from my Department. The group comprises members of the statutory and voluntary sectors. Its work includes a literature review of best practice which is being carried out by the Addiction Research Centre. It is also considering legal issues in the area of provision of treatment to under 18 year olds. The group's work is nearing completion and it is expected that it will report in the autumn.
