Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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322. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the local drug and alcohol task force. [37785/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There are currently 14 Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Forces which cover areas where there is the highest concentration of drugs of activity - 12 in Dublin, 1 in Bray and 1 in Cork. Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces cover the remainder of the country. Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and coordinating action at local level so that there is a targeted response to the drug problem in local communities. Arising from the review of Drugs Task Forces which concluded in December 2012, a National Coordinating Committee has been established to guide the work of the Task Forces and drive implementation of the National Drugs Strategy at the local level.

The Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2014 includes provision of €1.2m for a specific substance misuse prevention measure. The Task Forces have been identified as the appropriate structures through which the measure will be implemented and funding of up to €50,000 will be available to each Task Force in 2015 for this purpose.