Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have raised the need to review this initiative with the Taoiseach's predecessor, the Tánaiste, Deputy Micheál Martin, and I raise it again with the Taoiseach at this juncture. We need to assess in real terms what progress has been made. The review needs to also include the need to expand the boundaries of this initiative because only one section of the north inner city is actually covered. Other areas which have been just as affected by poverty, drugs and the whole gangland phenomenon have been left outside of its scope. This has caused a real problem right across communities. I argued back in the day that all of the north inner city needed to be included. I believe that remains the case. I hope a proper thorough and independent review of the initiative will occur. The north inner city community coalition, a very broad-based coalition, has, I understand, written to the Taoiseach. It wants to meet him to talk about the appointment of a new independent chairperson. It is important that the chairperson is independent. I understand the Taoiseach has not yet undertaken to meet this group. Will he meet it?

The north-east inner city has no drugs task force.

See this speech in context