Vol. 567 No. 5
111 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when it is intended 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. [14389/03]
The role of my Department is to co-ordinate the implementation of the national drugs strategy 2001-2008.
With regard to the commitment in the programme for Government, my officials held discussions with a range of Departments and agencies involved in tackling drugs. Arising from these discussions, it was agreed that the early warning sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs - which comprises membership from a range of relevant Departments and agencies, including my own Department - will fulfil the role outlined in the programme for Government.
The sub-committee met in March and they considered a number of proposals to establish such a system and they will meet again in mid-June to advance matters. In this context, they will be drawing on the recent NACD study on the prevalence of opiate use in Ireland and the statistics available concerning demand for treatment nationally.
