Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

177 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the action he will take, following revelations at a recent court case which showed that a major drug culture has developed here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9206/01]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

The overall aim of the Government's drugs strategy is to provide an effective, integrated response to the problems posed by drug misuse. The Deputy is probably aware that my Department is currently finalising a review of the National Drugs Strategy. The overall aim is to ensure that the policies and strategies which are being pursued at present remain relevant to the situation as it exists on the ground. The review will be published in the near future.

As part of this Government's overall strategy to tackle drug misuse, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund was established in 1998. The fund assists in the prevention of drug abuse, through the development of youth facilities, including sport and recreational facilities and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem existed or has the potential to develop. The aim of the fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas to these facilities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse. More than £37 million has been allocated by the Government to support over 340 facilities and services projects under the fund.

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs was established by the Government in July 2000. Its role is to advise the Government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment and consequences of the drug problem in Ireland, based on the committee's analysis and interpretation of research findings and information available to it. It is overseeing the delivery of a three year prioritised programme of research and evaluation on the extent, nature, causes and effects of drug misuse in Ireland.

Meanwhile, local drugs task forces have been operating in areas experiencing the worst levels of drug misuse, particularly that of heroin, since 1997. The task forces bring together key State agencies to work with the local community and voluntary groups to develop appropriate responses to local drug problems. Over 200 projects were allocated funding to pilot a range of interventions and, following detailed evaluation, it was decided last year to mainstream over 120 of these projects. Currently, the task forces are updating their plans for the next three years and the Government has provided £15 millionper annum for this purpose. The Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion has already considered and approved funding of over £3.6 million for plans from six task forces covering a variety of initiatives in the areas of prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and supply reduction. The other task forces are still developing their plans for consideration by the Cabinet Committee.