Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:331. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the status of the revision of the task force handbook; and when the new handbook will be ready. [10730/19]
View answerTuesday, 5 March 2019
Questions (331)
Written answers
Drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in implementing the national drugs strategy, by assessing the extend and nature of the drug problem in local communities and in initiating appropriate responses, so that there is a coordinated approach involving all sectors.
The Department established a working group to review and update the handbook for drug and alcohol task forces in September 2018. The working group is considering the remit of the task forces to promote community involvement and to coordinate service provision in partnership with the statutory, community and voluntary sectors and the requirements for governance, financial management, decision-making and accountability.
The working group has representatives from task forces, the community and voluntary sector, the Department of Health and the HSE, along with an independent expert.
The working group is continuing its deliberations. It is anticipated that its work will be completed in quarter 2, 2019.
I look forward to receiving the report of the working group in due course.