PUBLIC MEETINGS to develop a new national drugs strategy from 2009 to 2016 will be held between April 22nd and June 3rd, according to Minister of State for Community Affairs Pat Carey.
The Minister told Fine Gael spokesman Michael Ring that 11 written public submissions had so far been received, but he expected that number to increase significantly in the coming weeks "as I am aware that many organisations are consulting widely with their constituent elements to facilitate comprehensive submissions".
The steering group for the new national drugs strategy, will finalise the dates for the public meetings next week, and he expected the consultation process would be completed by July.
The steering group is also expected to finalise the appointment of consultants as part of the strategy. Mr Ring expressed concern about consultants, and said people who "know what is actually happening on the ground", should be listened to, and complained that "there is no point in listening to consultants because "all they do is move recommendations between one report and another".
Mr Carey agreed with Mr Ring and said, "I do not want to spend more than is necessary on consultants' reports", but "we need to get it right".
