John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1052. To ask the Minister for Health the progress being made regarding the development of a new national drugs and alcohol strategy; the timeframe for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20297/17]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1065. To ask the Minister for Health the date on which the national drugs strategy will be published. [20469/17]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1052 and 1065 together.

Government is committed to putting a new National Drugs Strategy in place from 2017 onwards, when the current policy expires. A Steering Committee with an independent chair has been established to advise me on the new Strategy. This committee has been mandated to develop an integrated public health approach to substance misuse, which is defined as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illegal drugs. It is envisaged that the new Strategy will be based on a health-led approach to the drug problem and build on progress achieved under previous drug strategies.

I understand that the Steering Committee is continuing with its deliberations with a view to presenting its final report to me shortly. I hope to bring my proposals to Government thereafter. Once approved by Government, the new strategy will then be published by the Department of Health.