Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline his strategy to combat the problem of drugs in communities; and his plans to resource this. [11759/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Drug misuse in our communities is a complex social problem and one which is very often linked to issues of social exclusion. The national response to the problem of drug misuse is set out in the National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009-2016. The Strategy provides a co-ordinated and comprehensive response to the problem and is founded on a partnership approach. Under this partnership approach all of the relevant statutory agencies work closely with the community and voluntary treatment sectors in tackling the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs. This collaborative approach is reflected in all of the working structures established under the national drugs policy framework. The Strategy, which is being delivered under the stewardship of my colleague Minister of State at the Department of Health Mr. Alex White T.D., adopts a pillar based approach to the problem, involving the implementation of a wide range of measures across the five pillars of drug supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.

Significant Government resources continue to be allocated to tackling drug misuse. In addition to the considerable resources provided to the statutory services, including health, education and criminal justice authorities, in dealing with drugs issues as a part of their normal day to day services, the Department of Health also administers a Drugs Initiative Programme. This Programme, which primarily funds community based drugs initiatives supported by the Drugs Task Forces, currently has available to it in excess of €28m for 2013.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the involvement of my Department and An Garda Síochána under the Strategy is primarily, although not exclusively, concerned with the drug supply pillar. In this regard, drug law enforcement remains a key priority area. This is reflected in An Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2013 which highlights a strong focus in combating serious crime in all its forms, in particular organised crime and its close links with drug trafficking. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána is also involved in a wide range of collaborative work involving community interests including, for example, the work of the local and regional Drugs Task Forces, the work of the Joint Policing Committees and community initiatives such as the work being undertaken, in partnership with the Family Support Network organisation, in tackling the problem of intimidation associated with drug related debts.

In conclusion, I would like to strongly affirm the Government's steadfast commitment to tackling the issue of drug misuse. This important work will continue to be progressed in partnership with all relevant stakeholders and will continue to include ongoing active community participation in addressing this complex problem.