Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is first-hand information. Task forces need to be able to operate and function independently of the HSE. They should continue to draft and implement local strategies in consultation with the community. There is a number of other measures that can be taken in conjunction with increasing the funding for task forces. We need to re-establish the emerging needs fund and the young person facilities and services fund. Those funds allowed local drug task forces to respond quickly and effectively to new challenges. We need an inter-agency approach to tackle the drugs problem and, as such, task forces must be supported by State agencies, including the HSE, the Garda and local authorities. Sinn Féin previously called for a dedicated Minister for the national drugs strategy and I repeat that call today.

The national drugs strategy is causing a disconnect with the communities most affected by the drugs crisis. Isolating or marginalising groups such as the drug task forces will only exacerbate the drugs problem not help solve it. A bureaucratic solution, as envisaged under the national drugs strategy, will not combat the drugs crisis but prolong it. I look forward to the Minister of State's response to those issues.