Bernard J. Durkan
Question:240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has in mind any initiatives to deal with the ever increasing drug problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27429/04]
View answerWednesday, 3 November 2004
Questions (184)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's overall policy to tackle the drug problem is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, Building on Experience, and responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the strategy lies with my colleague, the Minister for State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy N. Ahern.
The current national strategy sets out a framework for action for the period 2001-08. With the launch of this strategy all the elements of drugs policy were brought together in a single framework for the first time. Drugs policy is being delivered across the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research.
Within this framework, my Department will continue to develop measures, in consultation with the relevant Departments, agencies and the community and voluntary sector to ensure that a co-ordinated and integrated response is in place to tackle the drugs problem. Moreover, a steering group under the aegis of the lead Department is currently undertaking a mid-term review of the national drugs strategy. This review, in addition to examining progress to date in implementing the goals and actions set out in the strategy, will focus on identifying priorities for future action and enable a refocusing of the strategy, if necessary, for the remaining period up to 2008. My Department and the relevant associated agencies are involved in this review.