Vol. 520 No. 2
173 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will consider the two sets of recommendations, the final comments and the contents of a report (details supplied) on the drugs crisis; if he will respond to each of the points raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15474/00]
As the Deputy is aware, local drugs task forces have been set up in areas which are experiencing the highest levels of drug use, in particular where heroin abuse is most prevalent. The Ballyfermot local drugs task force, which comprises representatives from key State agencies and local community and voluntary groups, has been mandated to develop an integrated response to the drug problem in the Ballyfermot-Cherry Orchard area. The task force received an earlier allocation of £922,000 to implement its original action plan, which contained a comprehensive range of measures to support drug users and their families. They are currently updating this plan and I am arranging for the study to be brought to their attention for consideration in that context.
