Joint Committee on Health to discuss issues currently facing Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

The meeting in 2 sessions will hear firstly from representatives from the Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force Chairpersons Network at 9:30am and then Colm Burke TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health at 11am.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Seán Crowe said “The Committee welcomes the Minister of State, Colm Burke TD and representatives from the Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force Chairpersons Network to tomorrow’s meeting to discuss the challenges faced those providing the important services within community drugs and alcohol projects.

Our communities have seen persistent and acute levels of drug and alcohol abuse, which in turn lead to a range of other social problems, challenges and disadvantage. The funding and resources of the Drugs Task Forces over the years have failed to reflect the resulting increased demand for services that is being widely experienced.”

“The Committee looks forward to hearing from both the representatives and the Minister of State on what measures they believe can be put in place to address the on-going issues in order to improve the services available to those who need them.”

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.