Neasa Hourigan
Question:130. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the north inner city drug and alcohol task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21988/24]
View answerWednesday, 15 May 2024
Questions (130)
Written answers
Dr Austin O'Carroll has been appointed as the independent chairperson of the North Inner City Task Force. This is a key step in the reconstitution of the task force, as announced last year.
The chairperson is the process of recruiting members of the new board of the task force. The North Inner City Drug and Alcohol Task Force will be operating out of a new office located at 490 North Circular Road. It is anticipated that the taskforce will begin identifying local priorities and work on strategic planning shortly.
See the following press release: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3d8a7-minister-hildegarde-naughton-announces-new-chairperson-of-north-inner-city-drugs-and-alcohol-task-force/
Dr O’Carroll has worked as a GP for a long time in the north inner city and is well aware of the challenges posed by drug use. His leadership skills will bring together a range of stakeholders, including statutory agencies, voluntary service providers and community representatives, in a common purpose for the benefit of individuals and families affected by drug use. He will work closely with the chairpersons of the other government structures for the area, Jim Gavin of the NEIC Programme Implementation Board and Eddie Mullins of the NIC Local Community Safety Partnership.
As the task force enters a new era, I look forward to working with Dr Austin O’Carroll in his role as independent chairperson of the north inner city drug & alcohol task force.