Vol. 515 No. 3
303 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the funding which exists to support the work of a group (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in view of the fact that this group is outside the jurisdiction of the local drugs task force; the options which are available to this group so that a training programme in relation to drugs awareness can be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5820/00]
While the use of illicit drugs is a nationwide problem, the local drugs task forces were set up in the areas experiencing the highest levels of drug misuse, particularly in relation to heroin.
Understandably, the focus over the past number of years has been on tackling the heroin problem, in view of its public health implications and close association with crime. However, funding is also available to a range of State agencies, including the health boards, to respond to the drug problem outside the task force areas. This funding is available to agencies not only to deliver their own plans, but also to enable them to support community and voluntary groups in responding to the problem in their areas.
I have asked the Eastern Health Board to contact the group referred to in the Deputy's question about how it might contribute to the board's anti-drug strategy. Meanwhile, I have also initiated an overall review of the national drugs strategy, with a view to considering necessary changes to current strategy before year end.
