Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the working group on the rehabilitation tier of the national drugs strategy has completed its report; when the report will be published and acted upon by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42874/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation is nearing the completion of its work and it is expected that their report will be finalised before the end of the year. Arrangements will then be made for its publication.

The Group has taken a holistic view of rehabilitation and, while recognising the importance of clients being activated and prepared to fulfil their role in the effort towards rehabilitation, sees the empowering of recovering problem drug users, so that they can re-engage with society in a manner consistent with their needs and expectations, as a key aim of the process.

Some of the key recommendations of the Group are likely to focus on ensuring that Actions 47, 48 and 50 of the National Drug Strategy are met. These Actions largely relate to providing a continuum of care for clients through planned progression paths for each problem drug user, while ensuring that quality standards are achieved in the services provided. The Group is also likely to deal with wider supports needed by recovering problem drug users in areas such as involvement in community employment schemes, educational supports and support with progression to employment, housing and childcare, while recognising the need to involve the families of problem drug users in the process.

The implementation of the report, which will involve several Departments and Agencies, will be considered on its completion and it is envisaged that progress in that regard will be made in 2007.