Drugs task forces play a critical role in assessing the extent and nature of drug problems in their areas. They are also critical in conducting actions at local level to tackle the scourge of drugs within those communities. However, there is a real crisis in our task forces. In Wicklow we have two task forces, namely the Bray local area drugs task force and the east coast drugs task force. They have two vacancies, for a co-ordinator and an outreach worker. The position of co-ordinator for the Bray local area drugs task force, a key position, has not been filled for two years. I am informed interviews were held in April and an individual was offered the position but it has not been ratified. There is effectively a recruitment embargo and it is impacting directly on the ground in tackling the scourge of drugs right across Wicklow and indeed the State. I ask the Minister of State for categorical assurances that these positions will be filled with immediate effect.

I acknowledge the work that is being done on the ground by task forces and the extra funding that has been given in the last number of weeks of over €1 million to identify different scourges of drug-taking and the influence of drug and alcohol addiction with young people right across the board. In relation to Bray and the co-ordinator, I know there are problems there. The interviews have been held and somebody has been chosen, they just have not been put in place. I am pursuing that.

It has not been ratified.

I have been pursuing it since the beginning of September and I intend to make sure that the position is allocated as soon as possible. The Deputy and those in Bray task force, who I have spoken to and visited, know my sincerity about having a co-ordinator in place as soon as possible. There have been difficulties in recruitment so let us be very clear on that. There is somebody now who-----

They are waiting since September to be ratified.

That will be carried out as soon as possible.