John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 22 together.

A steering group, chaired by my Department, is currently developing proposals on a new national drugs strategy covering the period 2009 to 2016. I expect to receive its proposals and recommendations by the end of March and I will then consider them before seeking Government approval for a new strategy.

An extensive consultation process was undertaken last year on the new strategy. This involved meetings with Government Departments and agencies, the community and voluntary sectors, various interested parties and focus groups as well as an extensive schedule of public consultation meetings at 15 locations across the country. The outcomes of these discussions are being used by the steering group as the basis for much of its deliberations. I anticipate I will be in a position to seek Government approval for the new national drugs strategy in April, with publication to follow shortly thereafter.

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