John Perry
Question:139 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to prioritise alcohol policy along with the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24533/02]
Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív): As the Deputy is aware, my Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the national drugs strategy 2001-2008. The strategy aims to tackle the drug problem in the most comprehensive way ever undertaken in this country and contains 100 individual actions, under the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research, to be implemented by a range of Departments and agencies.
Since it was launched in May 2001, considerable progress has been made by Departments and agencies in implementing the actions set out for them in the strategy. The interdepartmental group on drugs – IDG – which I chair, meets regularly to assess progress by Departments and agencies in achieving the targets set for them and any obstacles to the implementation of any of the actions are brought to light at these meetings. In addition, six monthly progress reports on the strategy are also provided to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the implementation of the national alcohol policy is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin.