John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government commits to the development of a national drugs strategy. I understand the steering committee has been established and that work has been ongoing for a considerable period. That steering committee last met about a month ago. My first concern is that, while the committee met a month ago, there is no report and we are months behind schedule. People who are at the front line are particularly concerned that the emphasis on alcohol in the last substance misuse strategy will not feature. The new strategy is now likely to be published some time after we go into recess. Could the Tánaiste, with the Minister for Health, ensure the principles of the strategy, if the not the strategy in full, are published so Members will have a chance to debate it? Ultimately, the strategy will run for several years and needs broad support to be successful. If it is not to be published before the House rises, could the main points of emphasis be published?

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