Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 November 2019

Wednesday, 27 November 2019

Ceisteanna (138, 139)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

138. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if there is a requirement for statutory partners to engage with regional drug and alcohol task forces. [49238/19]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

139. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the statutory partners which participate on the north east drug task force. [49239/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.

Maintaining a partnership approach between statutory, community and voluntary bodies is a core value of the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025.

Drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in local communities and in ensuring that a coordinated approach is taken across all sectors to address substance misuse based on the identified needs and priorities in their areas. Task forces are made up of community, voluntary and statutory representatives.

The following statutory partners are represented on the North Eastern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force: An Garda Síochána, Customs and Excise, the Department of Social Protection, the Education and Training Board, the HSE, Louth Co Council and the Probation Service.

I am committed to implementing an integrated public health response to substance misuse, and to supporting individuals, families and communities who are struggling with addiction and need intervention and support. Task forces working in partnership with statutory, community and voluntary sectors are central to this response.