Nominations have been sought from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors for representation on the regional task forces. In addition, the national drugs strategy team has prepared guidelines on their operation in consultation with the relevant sectors and agencies. It is planned to convene the first meeting of each task force by the end of March. It is hoped that, as well as examining the availability of drug services and related resources, they will also provide up-to-date information on the nature and extent of drug use in their region.