Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2004
65 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the outcome of his recent meetings with the local drug task forces; if the representatives he met have satisfied themselves with the progress of the national drugs strategy; the measures the local drug task forces wish to see him take to tackle drugs in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16656/04]
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In the course of my work as Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, I meet members of the local drugs task forces, LDTFs, on a regular and ongoing basis. In recent months I have visited a number of LDTF projects in Dublin and discussed with the different representatives the issues they face on the ground and how their projects are dealing with the drug problem in their areas.
Since 1997, my Department has provided over €150 million to support the work of the LDTFs, the young people's facilities and services fund and the premises initiative. The Deputy should note that as part of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy which recently got under way, a extensive consultation process is also planned. As part of that process I will be consulting with the LDTFs for their views on the strategy to be taken.
