377. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health his plans to allocate responsibility for the national drugs strategy to an existing Minister of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7647/15]

As Minister for Health, I have overall responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy at Government level. This role includes chairing the Oversight Forum on Drugs, which is responsible for the high level monitoring of progress being achieved under the Strategy. In addition, I am responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy 2012. In the circumstances, I have no plans to allocate responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy elsewhere.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.