ASSEMBLY DRUG WAR WRANGLE

Stormont confusion could cost province millions in funds

Ulster's war on drugs has been thrown into confusion by wrangling at
Stormont, it emerged today.

Frontline counsellors who treat addicts say their work on the streets is
being hindered by confusion at the Assembly.

The Northern Ireland Central Co-ordinating Group on Drugs - which spearheads
the Government's response to the menace - has not met since October.

Security Minister Adam Ingram stepped down as chairman after powers were
switched to Stormont.

Sources claimed that Health Minister Bairbre De Brun was expected to take
over, but is refusing to sit on the high-powered committee because it
includes the RUC Drugs Squad.

As a result, a radical new strategy designed to overhaul Ulster's anti-drugs
efforts has been left in limbo.

The delay has also blocked the first wave of a pounds 5.5m cash injection
and put back the crucial appointment of a Northern Ireland drugs "czar".

Drug workers are warning that dealers are trying to establish a market for
hard drugs like cocaine and heroin in the province alongside Ecstasy and
cannabis.

Today, the confusion at Stormont was highlighted when the Department of
Health declined to state when the NICCG would meet again and insisted:
"Arrangements within the new Executive for taking forward the drugs strategy
are currently being developed."

But officials at other departments referred inquiries on drugs to the
Department of Health.

The Belfast Telegraph has learned that the NICCG was due to hold a crucial
meeting in December to push through the drugs battle reforms, but the summit
was cancelled.

Almost pounds 1m of the drugs money was due to be spent this financial year.

The funds were to be handed out last November - but are still stuck in the
pipeline.

And some voluntary groups fear that the cash could be lost if it is not
spent before March 31.

One drugs worker said: "When the initiative was announced, we were told that
we had until the end of September.

"You can imagine the panic that ensued and we had to throw a lot of
resources at it.

"We were told that there would be an announcement by mid-November and
there's been nothing."

Dr Joe Hendron, chairman of the Assembly's health committee, said he would
be seeking urgent clarification.

He said: "I intend to write to Mr Ingram, the First Minister and Deputy
First Minister today to get answers.

"A decision needs to be made soon as a lot of groups are depending on this
cash for their very existence."

Assemblywoman Iris Robinson vowed to raise the issue at tomorrow's health
committee meeting, saying: "It is deplorable if the minister is refusing to
take this on board."