Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

We are nearing the end of the first month in 2009 and I intended to ask the Minister of State when he expected the strategy to be published, but he answered that in his reply.

I refer to a point raised by Deputy O'Shea concerning widespread access to services under the national drugs strategy among communities in rural areas. I hope such access to services will be highlighted in the new strategy.

Is the Minister of State concerned about the €2 billion cost-saving measures to be agreed by the Government? Does he consider this will result in a cut in funding for the strategy? Will the Government ensure the new national drugs strategy also addresses the issue of alcohol abuse?

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