Written answers
Tuesday, 5 October 2004
Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
National Drugs Strategy
9:00 pm
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the work which is being done by drug task forces to make contact with new communities of non-nationals in relation to the issue of drug use; and if he will recommend that the national drugs strategy include actions and initiatives in this area of concern. [22743/04]
Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the role of the local drugs task forces, LDTFs, is to prepare local action plans, which include a range of measures in relation to such issues as treatment, rehabilitation, education, prevention and curbing local supply. In addition, the LDTFs provide a mechanism for the co-ordination of services in their areas, while at the same time allowing local communities and voluntary organisations to participate in the planning, design and delivery of those services. Demographic changes which may be occurring in local communities are monitored by the task forces on an ongoing basis and can be reflected in the way they implement their action plans.
In this context, it is also worth noting that the national drugs strategy is currently being reviewed. The objectives of the mid-term review is to examine the progress being made to date in achieving the goals and actions set out in the strategy and to enable priorities for future action to be identified and a refocusing of the strategy, if necessary, for the remaining period up to 2008. As part of the review, a widespread consultation process is currently under way. The question of drug misuse among non-nationals will also be considered as part of the review.
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