Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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445. To ask the Minister for Health his role in formulating a cross-government policy on drugs. [15314/16]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Health is developing a new National Drugs Strategy, which will cover the period from 2017 onwards. A Steering Committee, chaired by former General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation and with representatives from the relevant Statutory, Community and Voluntary Sectors, has been established to oversee the process. The Steering Committee will provide guidance and advice to me on how a new Strategy should address problem drug use, including the structures through which this could be done and incorporating key performance indicators to measure the future effectiveness of the new policy.

A high-level review of the current drugs policy has been undertaken by a panel of international experts, which will highlight the key issues that need to be addressed under the new Strategy. The Committee will also consider the approach to drug policy in other jurisdictions and a review of international evidence on interventions to tackle the drug problem. Focus Groups have been established to advise the Steering Committee on the relevance of the Strategy in tackling the current nature and extent of problem drug use in Ireland, including emerging trends and cross-cutting issues. This aspect of the process will identify any actions that need to be undertaken under the new Strategy to meet challenges ahead.

I will shortly be announcing details of the consultation process on the new Strategy, which I intend to be as broad, comprehensive and inclusive as possible. I am expecting the final report of the Steering Committee by the end of the year.