Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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236. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the new national drugs strategy; if he will address the concerns with regard to the role of alcohol within the strategy, the failure to target marginalised communities, the decision to remove the young persons' facilities and services fund, the lack of an appropriate implementation structure, the lack of recognition of community drug projects or community participation and the absence of references to specific communities of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24961/17]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, a Steering Committee with an independent chair has been established to advise me on the development of the new National Drugs Strategy. The 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.

I understand that the Steering Committee is continuing with its deliberations and a meeting to discuss outstanding issues relating to the final draft report is arranged for the 25 May 2017. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter until the Steering Committee has concluded its work.