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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what level of co-operation there is between (a) statutory and (b) voluntary organisations working in Northern Ireland on substance misuse and rehabilitation programmes; and if he will make a statement. [97458] Mr. George Howarth: Structures are in place to ensure co-operation both within and between the statutory and voluntary sectors to tackle substance misuse. The Central Co-ordinating Group for Action Against Drugs, chaired by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, comprises representative from Government Departments and their agencies, together with advisers from the police, Prison Service and Customs and Excise. Drug Co-ordination Teams exist in each Health and Social Services Board areas. These include representatives from a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector organisations, and are responsible for developing local action plans to address local needs. In addition, health professionals from each Health Board area work together on the Northern Ireland Committee on Drug Misuse. The Committee, which also includes voluntary sector representation, advises the Department on measures to combat the illicit drug problem. A Drug Information Exchange Group, under the auspices of the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, also provides a forum for co-operation and information sharing. A separate forum will be established shortly on alcohol misuse. Following a recent review of alcohol policy in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health and Social Services intends to publish a new strategy in March 2000. The strategy will include recommendations about structures to facilitate improved co-operation.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

97458; 337 c597W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Drugs Northern Ireland Misuse Rehabilitation Voluntary organisations