Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
121 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date by the regional drugs task forces in mapping out the drug problems in their areas; when he expects the publication of their strategy plans; when their plans are expected to begin implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7645/04]
View answerThe national drugs strategy 2001 to 2008 provides for the establishment of the ten regional drugs task forces, RDTFs, throughout the country. The RDTFs are mapping out the patterns of drug misuse in their areas, as well as the range and level of existing services, with a view to better co-ordination and addressing gaps in the overall provision. In this context, the Deputy should note that an amount of €500,000 has been provided by my Department, in the current year, for administrative and technical assistance costs incurred by the RDTFs in the preparation of their plans.
The work under way by the RDTFs is likely to take up most of the current year and will then feed into the drafting of regional action plans, which will be assessed by the national drugs strategy team in due course. I am hopeful that all this work can be completed by early 2005 and that I will then be in a position to bring recommendations regarding the funding of the plans to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion. I expect the RDTFs to be in a position to begin the implementation of their plans by mid-2005.
