Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the prevention pillar of the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18741/16]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The overall objective of the National Drugs Strategy is 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. Periodic reviews of progress of the actions of the current Strategy are carried out through the Oversight Forum on Drugs, which I chair. The 2015 progress report on the implementation of the actions of the National Drugs Strategy is available on the Department's website at .

Prevention programmes constitute a significant part of the Government's response to the drug problem, particularly among young persons. Substance use education in schools is provided in the context of Social Personal and Health Education. Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces operate a range of education and prevention programmes in non-school settings, which aim to promote healthier lifestyle choices among young people and other vulnerable groups at risk of problem drug use. In addition, young people at risk of drug misuse can access diversionary programmes, facilities and services and family support. More information in relation to these initiatives, as well as information campaigns and harm reduction initiatives undertaken by the Health Service Executive, is available in the 2015 progress report on the Strategy referred to above.

Finally, my Department has commenced work on the development of a new Strategy for the period after 2016. This process will involve a comprehensive consultation with key stakeholders and the public on the current national drugs policy and future priorities. A Steering Committee with an independent chair has been set up to oversee the development of the new Strategy and focus groups have been established to advise the Committee on priorities for the next Strategy, which will include education and prevention measures.