I am very pleased to be here this morning to officially open this conference and I would like to thank the organising committee for inviting me.
In July, the Tánaiste, Ms. Mary Harney, Minister of State Noel Ahern and I met with the Chairpersons of the Task Forces and I think we had a very useful discussion on that occasion. However, I am glad of this opportunity to speak to you all again and to thank each of you for the important work you are doing on the ground in tackling the drug problem.
I do not need to tell you that drug misuse is still a major challenge for all of us. The damage brought about as a result of drug misuse remains a very real and very urgent problem in many communities. As we all know, it is a long-term issue for which there are no quick-fix solutions. It is essential that all of us - the statutory, voluntary and community sectors - remain committed in order to ensure that it is tackled in an effective manner.
That said, I believe that there have been real signs of progress over the past couple of years – be it in the areas of drug seizures, the expansion of treatment services, or in the development of prevention programmes in schools. In fact, it is fair to say that the landscape has improved in recent years, and we must all acknowledge that progress, and the work that is being done. While there is certainly no room for complacency, it is important, nonetheless, that we do not lose sight of the positive things that have happened in recent years. I firmly believe that this work has made a real impact and that we can build on that into the future.
Equally, of course, it is important to recognise that the drugs situation is a dynamic and changing one and that our policies need to be flexible to meet that change. The progress made in the last few years has come about through a process of co-operation and partnership. While I would be the first to admit that working in partnership can at times be difficult, we must all bear in mind that, ultimately, working together is far more beneficial than a fragmented approach – especially when dealing with a problem as pervasive as drug misuse.
Everyone involved with the Local Drugs Task Forces has played a very important role in recent years in tackling the problem of drugs misuse. And you continue to be key players in dealing with the problem in the worst affected areas. I know that you are ably supported in your work by the National Drugs Strategy Team, many of whom are also here today. I understand that the Regional Drugs Task Forces will start to roll out their plans in the next few months and I think they have the potential to play an equally important role in the future and to mirror the good work being done by the Local Drugs Task Forces.
I see in my own constituency the many services and facilities that have been funded in recent years through the Local Drugs Task Force and the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund. Since 1997, nearly
€200 million has been allocated or spent to support this work across the 14 Local Drug Task Force areas. Over 440 community-based projects have been established employing more than 300 staff and delivering services such as advice and support for drug users and their families; community drug teams offering treatment; outreach and crisis intervention services; and drug training programmes for community groups - to name but a few.
In addition, over 180 youth, outreach and sports workers have been employed under the Young Peoples Fund and a large number of high quality youth and sports facilities have also been put in place. As you know, many of these are in areas where, traditionally, there has been a shortage of centres and where there was very little to encourage “at risk” young people to get involved in activities and programmes.
The mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy was launched in early June. The review highlights certain key areas that need to be prioritised in the next couple of years. Minister of State Ahern and his officials will be actively working with the various Departments and agencies to ensure that recommendations are implemented and commitments are met.
Of course, the effectiveness the Drugs Strategy is very much dependent on the people and structures that support it. There are over 20 statutory agencies involved in delivering the Strategy as well as numerous service providers and community and voluntary groups. If we are to continue to make inroads into tackling the drug problem – all of us have to be prepared to continue to commit time, energy and resources to the problem going forward.
I took one clear message from meeting the Task Force chairs in July. That is the need to affirm the commitment of the Government to the Drugs Strategy and to re-energise all of our arrangements for working together. I wanted to come here today to re-state our commitment to this process. Tackling the drug problem is, and will continue to be, a key priority for Government. We want to keep working with all of you on delivery on the ground. I will continue to work with Minister of State Ahern, through the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion to make sure this happens.
Finally, I would like to wish you all the very best in your deliberations here today. From looking at the programme outline and the list of workshops to be held, it should prove to be a very interesting and engaging day for everyone attending.
Thank You.
ENDS