Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

Problem drug use remains one of the key challenges facing Irish society today. Through the implementation of the actions in the national drugs strategy and the projects and initiatives operated through the local and regional drugs task forces, the problem is being addressed and the hardship caused to individuals and society is being alleviated.

The Government has been, and remains, firmly committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse in society. That is evidenced by the fact that between 2003 and 2008, there was a doubling of funding targeted at community-based initiatives funded through the Vote of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, from €31.5 million to more than €64 million.

This is an opportunity to reiterate the importance of the work of the local and regional drugs task forces, with regard to community based activities and projects. Local drugs task forces, LDTFs, were established in 1997 in the areas considered to be experiencing the worst levels of opiate misuse and are an important element of the Government's overall response to tackling drag misuse. Twelve areas in Dublin were identified as well as Cork city. Bray was subsequently added in 2000 as an LDTF.

The ten regional drugs task forces, RDTFs, were set up in 2003, covering all parts of the country not covered by an LDTF and thus achieving full coverage of the country. Following extensive consultation processes, each RDTF prepared a strategic plan and the implementation of those plans is now progressing. The work of the task forces is an important element of the overall national drugs strategy and their role is to prepare and implement local action plans. Those plans identity existing and emerging gaps in services in regard to each of the pillars of the strategy and support a range of measures including treatment, rehabilitation, education, prevention and curbing local supply.

In addition, the task forces provide a mechanism for the co-ordination of services and strategies in those areas while, at the same time, allowing local communities and voluntary organisations to participate in the planning, design and delivery of those services. The measures being implemented by the task forces are designed to complement and add value to the range of interventions being delivered through the State agencies. Membership of the task forces include representatives of all the relevant agencies such as Departments, the Health Service Executive, the Garda Síochána, the Probation and Welfare Service, the relevant local authority, elected public representatives, the Youth Service, FÁS, voluntary agencies and community representatives.

Across the 14 LDTF areas, more than 440 community-based projects, including those under the emerging needs fund, have been established employing more than 300 people. The type of projects being supported range from delivering services such as advice and support for drug misusers and their families, community drug teams offering treatment, outreach and crisis intervention services and drug training programmes for community groups.

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