John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I am confident that the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 will significantly tackle the problem of drug misuse in Ireland over the period of its implementation.

As the Deputy is aware, in developing the new strategy I established a steering group comprising representatives of all relevant sectors to develop proposals and to make recommendations to me. The Government subsequently accepted the recommendations of this broadly based group. I am satisfied that in developing the strategy full consideration was given to all aspects of the drugs problem, including through the comprehensive consultation process involved.

The strategy seeks to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. This pillar approach is being retained as it has to date proved effective, was widely supported throughout the consultation process and dovetails with the EU Action Plan on Drugs 2009-2012. The associated actions of the strategy comprise a well thought out plan of what needs to be done to achieve the overall strategic objective. They are workable and will have positive results.

Among other things the new strategy focuses on the co-ordination arrangements. The changes made in institutional structures facilitate the Minister who is given responsibility by Government for the drugs strategy to effectively fulfil that role. These changes will also streamline administration and facilitate more effective co-ordination and partnership.

Funding will be scarce over the coming years and we must ensure optimum use of available resources. However, it is important to be aware that these resources are considerable, with the estimated expenditure on the drugs problem across Departments and agencies in 2009 being in excess of €275 million.

As part of the strategy I will twice a year meet various Ministers and officials directly involved in seeking to address the drugs problem. At these meetings, which have already commenced, I will endeavour to ensure that high priority is given within Departments and agencies to achievement of the actions of the strategy. I will also stress the importance of the continued effective implementation of other programmes that impact on the factors underpinning problem drug use.

As part of the institutional arrangements to support the work of the office of the Minister with responsibility for drugs, the strategy provides for the establishment of an oversight forum on drugs. The forum, which I will chair, will have its first meeting this month and progress across the strategy will be reviewed and blockages addressed. The difficulties facing our society as a consequence of problem drug use are significant and addressing all the factors involved is an onerous undertaking, whether in the area of reducing supply, improving treatment and rehabilitation or continuing to promulgate the prevention message with a view to effecting attitudinal change in Irish society. However, I am determined that real progress will be made across the period of the new strategy, with all sectors working in a co-ordinated and targeted way to achieve implementation of the agreed actions.

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