Reforms To Drugs Task Forces Announced

Mr Alex White TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy today announced the conclusions of a review of Drugs Task Forces undertaken by the Department of Health.

Drugs Task Forces were set up in areas experiencing the highest levels of drug misuse, particularly heroin, in the late 1990s. With the establishment of the Regional Drugs Task Forces, they now form part of a nationwide response to substance misuse.

The Review recommends a series of reforms to better equip the Drugs Task Forces to respond to the current pattern of substance misuse. The key changes include:

•Drugs Task Forces to be renamed 'Drug and Alcohol Task Forces' reflecting their current role in tackling substance misuse, including alcohol

•A National Coordinating Committee to be established to guide the work of the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and drive implementation of the National Drugs Strategy

•Clearer terms of reference and corporate governance guidelines for Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

•Measures to encourage more Public Representative involvement in the work of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

•Review of the number and boundaries of Drugs Task Forces, mainly in Dublin.

Minister White said: "One of the most notable achievements of the Drugs Task Forces is the extent to which they have engaged communities and encouraged inter-agency

working at the local level. The reforms that I have announced today are focused on strengthening the impact of Drugs Task Forces so that they continue to be central to the local response to tackling the drug and alcohol problem."