Thomas Gould
Question:109. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of strategic implementation groups and a civil society forum to consult on the National Drugs Strategy. [26912/22]
View answerThursday, 26 May 2022
Questions (109, 114)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:114. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the expected timeframe for the establishment of strategic implementation groups regarding the national drugs strategy; if he will provide an update on the expected meeting of chairpersons of each group before the end of May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26553/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health completed a mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy, based on the strategic action plan for the period 2017 to 2020. The review documents the progress made in implementing the strategic action plan and presents the views of stakeholders on the operation of the strategy, including the oversight structures. Partnership between the statutory, community and voluntary sectors continues to be the cornerstone of the strategy.
Six strategic priorities have been identified arising from the mid-term review of national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery; A health-led response to drug and alcohol use. Strategic Implementation Groups have put in place to support the implementation of these priorities, and they will work in tandem with the national oversight committee for the drugs strategy.
The Department has proposed to broaden and deepen civil society representation on the oversight structures for implementing the national drugs strategy. This will provide a stronger voice for civil society organisations in the implementation of the strategy. It is important to reiterate that there is no proposal to remove existing civil society representatives from the national oversight committee.
The Department has finalised the membership of six strategic implementation group, including representatives of civil society, following a open call for expressions of interest. The groups are now in the process of convening the first meetings.
As a subsequent step, it is proposed that the civil society representatives on the National Oversight Committee for the National Drugs Strategy, and Strategic Implementation Groups, will form a civil society group on drugs.
The Department has had initial discussions with civil society organisations in relation to the role of the proposed civil society group on drugs. Feedback received is being considered and the proposal is being elaborated to take account of this feedback.
I would like to repeat my commitment to working in partnership with civil society organisations in the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy.