Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
84 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a company (details supplied) has issued its report to the steering group in charge of the review of the national drugs strategy 2001-08; the new perspectives and strategies that will be advanced following the extensive consultations undertaken for the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33259/04]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy is currently under way. The review is examining the progress made to date in implementing the strategy and it will enable priorities for future action to be identified — and a refocusing of the strategy, if necessary — for the remaining period up to 2008.
The review is being overseen by a steering group chaired by my Department and comprising representatives from a number of Departments and agencies who are involved in implementing the strategy as well as the community and voluntary sectors. PA Consulting Group has been engaged to assist the steering group in its ongoing work.
The consultants are currently finalising their work and they are scheduled to report to the steering group before Christmas. Following consideration of the various issues by the steering group, I will make recommendations on the way forward to the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion. I expect the review to be completed early next year.
