John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Drugs task forces play a critical role in assessing the extent and nature of drug problems in their areas. They are also critical in conducting actions at local level to tackle the scourge of drugs within those communities. However, there is a real crisis in our task forces. In Wicklow we have two task forces, namely the Bray local area drugs task force and the east coast drugs task force. They have two vacancies, for a co-ordinator and an outreach worker. The position of co-ordinator for the Bray local area drugs task force, a key position, has not been filled for two years. I am informed interviews were held in April and an individual was offered the position but it has not been ratified. There is effectively a recruitment embargo and it is impacting directly on the ground in tackling the scourge of drugs right across Wicklow and indeed the State. I ask the Minister of State for categorical assurances that these positions will be filled with immediate effect.

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