Liam Burke
Ceist:69 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if a review has been carried out on the operation of the national drugs strategy; and if he will publish a copy of that review. [2374/01]
Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:74 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if a review has been carried out on the operation of the national drugs strategy; and if he will publish a copy of that review. [2378/01]
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:76 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress made to date on the review of the operation of the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2395/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 74 and 76 together.
Last summer I initiated a comprehensive review of the national drugs strategy to ensure that the policies and strategies being pursued at present remain relevant to the situation as it exists on the ground. The objective of the review is to identify any gaps or deficiencies in the current strategy and to develop revised strategies and, if necessary, new structures through which to deliver them. It is being overseen by a steering committee known as the review group which consists of representatives from relevant Government Departments, State agencies and the community and voluntary sector.
Some 190 submissions were received from individuals and organisations in response to the public call for submissions. Due to the high level of public interest, I decided to also carry out a thorough and lengthy nationwide consultation process over the summer months and into autumn. Eight regional consultative fora were held around the country in which over 600 people took part. I subsequently invited over 30 agencies and organisations to make detailed presentations to further assist in identification of gaps or deficiencies in the current strategy.
Since then, and with the assistance of external consultants, drafting of the report of the review has been progressing under the direction of the review group. It is hoped to have the report completed and ready for submission to Government in the coming month or so.