Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy; when the review will be complete; if he is in a position to report on the review to the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5797/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, work on the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy has been ongoing since mid-2004. The review is being overseen by a steering group, chaired by my Department, and comprising representatives from a number of relevant Departments and agencies as well as the community and voluntary sectors. A comprehensive consultation process was undertaken as part of the review and PA Consulting Group was engaged to assist the steering group in its work.

The review is examining the progress made to date in implementing the strategy and identifying future priorities for the remaining period up to 2008. The review is also examining the relevance of the strategy in tackling the current nature and extent of drug misuse in Ireland, including emerging trends.

I expect the steering group to report to me by mid to late March. I will then be making recommendations on the way forward to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion at the earliest opportunity.