Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I am committed to addressing the drug and alcohol issues affecting the north inner city in conjunction with the local community and relevant service providers. Considerable additional resources have been provided to enhance drug and alcohol services in the area, both from the NEIC initiative and the Department's budget. The drugs and alcohol task force has a key role to play. However, it is clear that maybe a new start is needed for the task force so it can command the support of all stakeholders, including the local community, statutory agencies and local politicians.

I would like to confirm that the Department's annual funding of €2.2 million for community and services under the auspices of the task force is continuing and there should be no disruption in front-line services. The residents of the north inner city deserve a well governed and fully functioning task force. In particular, a transparent process for the selection and appointment of an independent chairperson is required. I ask for the co-operation of all stakeholders in putting this in place. If there is anything we can do, if we can bring something from a different angle and if the Senator can be helpful or whatever and we can bring the stakeholders together, my door is always open. Maybe we could resolve this by sitting around a table because there have been many letters flying around. If there is anything we can do my door is, as I said, open. I think this can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.