DRUGS BODY WAITS ON INITIATIVE'S REPORT

The establishment of a national drugs advisory body, which may examine the
possible decriminalisation of certain banned substances, is not expected to
take place for another six months, according to the Minister with special
responsibility for the government's drugs policy, Chris Flood TD.

The body was to be formed by the end of 1998 but has been delayed in order
for an evaluation of the national drugs initiative to be completed. The
group is expected to be made up of community and voluntary representatives,
as well as medical professionals employed in the area.

The government has made a commitment to set up an advisory body.

"It's very important that a model of best practice be decided on. Because
of the increase over the last few years in the levels of drug use, it's
important that a coordinated strategy be put in place," said Flood, junior
minister at the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation.

"A number of issues will have to be addressed by the group when it set up.
Most importantly, it's going to have to look at the structures that are in
place for people who are progressing through treatment for drug misuse. It
will be looking at drug treatment structures both at home and abroad, to
decide on which is the best structure to put in place here".

Increased funding has been made available from the government to upgrade
treatment facilities. A package of IEP20 million was agreed this year,
which will be invested over the next two years, said Flood. The Eastern
Health Board is currently in the middle of an investment programme which
open nine new treatment clinics next year.

"I can understand the frustration of people who are working in the area
that the group has not been set up by now. But the government's
responsibility is to manage the strategy correctly and ensure that we have
a proper treatment structure in place," said Flood.

Checked-by: Richard Lake