Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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159. To ask the Minister for Health why he appointed a Minister with responsibility for drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13107/16]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is a matter for the Taoiseach in the first instance to determine the approach to the allocation of portfolios to Ministers of State. Government has, in line with Programme for Government commitments, put a stronger emphasis on important policy areas, and particularly on the Department of Health, to which four Ministers of State are attached to work to deliver real improvements in this vital public service.

The National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 is a cross-cutting area of public policy and service delivery which requires a coordinated response to tackling the drugs problem. The Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy at Government level. I am delighted to have been afforded the opportunity to undertake the vital role of Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy. I am fully committed to the drugs brief, and am eager to tackle the issues in the area in as comprehensive a way as possible.