Vol. 558 No. 4
88 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when it is intend to establish the early warning system, involving all key agencies, to track the potential spread of heroin into new areas in regard to the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24459/02]
As the Deputy is aware, the role of my Department is to co-ordinate the implementation of the national drugs strategy 2001-2008.
However, I am aware of the commitment in the programme for Government and, in this context, my officials recently held preliminary discussions with officials from the Departments of Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consider how this action might best be progressed. In considering what the most appropriate structure might be, the Deputy should note that any early warning system will necessarily involve a number of agencies and information sources. My officials will also be discussing the matter with the national advisory committee on drugs, which operates under the aegis of my Department and following further discussions with the relevant Departments, I hope that an appropriate system can be developed over the coming months.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 79.
