Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
345. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a survey carried out by an inter-agency group to identify gaps in services for persons under 18 years of age experiencing substance abuse in east Wicklow (details supplied); the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16913/16]
View answerDrugs Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and co-ordinating action at local level so that there is a targeted response to the drug problem in local communities. I am informed that the Interagency Group, who carried out the survey, are presenting their findings to the East Coast Regional Task Force at the next Task Force meeting.
The Department of Health is developing a new National Drugs Strategy, which will take effect in 2017, when the current policy expires. A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the process and to advise me on how the new Strategy should address problem drug use, including the structures through which this should be done and incorporating key performance indicators to measure the future effectiveness of the new policy.
I will shortly be announcing details of the consultation process on the new Strategy, which I intend to be as broad, comprehensive and inclusive as possible. The Interagency Group may wish to avail of the opportunity to submit the findings of their report under the consultation process.
