Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 160: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she will take to advance the national drugs strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7047/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Responsibility for co-ordinating policy on drugs is at present assigned to the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. As the Deputy may be aware, the Government has agreed, with effect from 1 May 2011, to transfer the functions of the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs in relation to the National Drugs Strategy to the Minister for Health and Children.

The Government is committed to addressing problem drug use in a comprehensive way. In line with this, the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 aims to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. The Actions set out in the Strategy facilitate a planned and monitored approach to achieving the overall strategic objectives. It is envisaged that progress on the implementation of these Actions will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government intends to build upon the progress already achieved in the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 to the benefit of individuals, their families and their communities.