Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
872. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the status of the development and timeline for completion of a code of governance for drugs and alcohol task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4466/21]
View answerDrug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in relation to the implementation of the national drugs strategy, ' Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery'. Action 6.1.50 of the strategy commits to ensuring that Task Forces have proper arrangements in place for the selection and renewal of the Chair, Members of Task Forces and for having proper procedures in place for addressing conflicts of interest.
The Department set up a working group to revise the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces Handbook in line with Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery. One of the outputs of the group will be a new code of governance for task forces in line with best practice in the community, voluntary and charitable sectors.
Adherence to the code will require a new regime of governance and documentation for task forces. It is anticipated that task forces will be required to sign up to the Charities Regulator governance code, The code sets minimum standards for the board of a registered charity or limited company to ensure they effectively manage and control their organisations.
The Department will support the implementation of this code of governance. This is an important step in strengthening the performance of task forces.
Work to complete the code of governance for task forces has been delayed due to resource constraints. The Department hopes to finish this project in early 2021.
I am committed to supporting the network of drug and alcohol task forces to develop targeted drug and alcohol initiatives that deliver the actions of the national drugs strategy. I provided an additional €1 million in Budget 2021 for this purpose.
