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Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018

Tuesday, 20 November 2018

Questions (466)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

466. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the number of the 15 recommendations of the 2012 Report on the Review of Drugs Task Forces and the National Structures Under Which They Operate that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48292/18]

View answer

Written answers

The 2012 Report on the Review of Drug Task Forces made fifteen recommendations aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and impact of Drug Task Forces.

The Review's recommendations focused on the role, composition and boundaries of Drugs Task Forces, the national structures as set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, and the development of a performance measurement system.

Although the majority of the Review's recommendations have been implemented, many of them are now out of date as they related to the oversight structures in place under the National Drug Strategy 2009-2016.  In July 2017 a new strategy 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery-a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025' was subsequently launched. This strategy has taken on board the recommendations of the 2012 Review where appropriate.

Work is ongoing in the Department, in association with key stakeholders, on the revision of the 'Task Force Handbook'. It is intended that the revised handbook will contribute to improving the overall governance and accountability of Task Forces. This work is an important preliminary step in the development of a performance measurement system as recommended in the 2012 Review. An implementation plan to operationalise a Performance Measurement System will be developed by 2020. It is intended that an outstanding recommendation from the 2012 Review on the realignment of Task Force boundaries will be examined as part of this process. 

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