Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has said the government cannot be allowed to exclude Local & Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces from the new National Drug Strategy.
Deputy Brady emphasised the central role that drug task forces have played in the delivery of every National Drug Strategy since 1997, and any attempt to relegate them will be resisted.
Teachta Brady said:
“The new National Drug Strategy’s stated aim is to centralise funding and decision making in the Health Service Executive.
“This is the wrong approach and completely ignores the work carried out by community drug task forces, which ensure that communities most impacted by drug and alcohol misuse have a voice in the decisions that affect them.
“Their experience and knowledge of what is happening on the ground is invaluable.
“Sinn Féin has held a number of roundtable discussions with task forces and community drug services, and it is absolutely clear that there are deep and genuine concerns about the new National Drug Strategy.
“I recently met with the Bray Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force and they too raised their concerns regarding the new strategy.
“This is an organisation that does vital work in bringing together community groups, voluntary organisations and statutory agencies to develop practical responses to the challenges facing families and individuals in Bray.
“They deliver essential prevention and education programmes, support frontline workers and coordinate services that help people dealing with addiction to access the support they need.
“The work carried out by the Bray Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force is making a meaningful difference in the community. Their local knowledge and strong relationships within the community are essential in tackling the complex challenges associated with addiction and drug misuse.
“It is vital that organisations like this are supported and that their voices are heard as the Government develops the next National Drug Strategy.
“The current draft plan needs to be put in the bin and the Minister must engage fully with those on the front line in tackling the drug crisis.
“Communities cannot be excluded from the decisions that affect them. Drug task forces must remain a key part of Ireland’s response to addiction and drug harm.”
ENDS