I wish to raise an issue relating to the local drug and alcohol task forces. Is the Minister of State at the Department of Health aware that the HSE representative on the Canal Communities local drugs and alcohol task force got up in the middle of an amicable meeting, announced that he was removing himself from the task force as a HSE representative and walked out? Are the State and its agencies abdicating responsibility and leaving communities to fend for themselves, contrary to the national drug and alcohol strategy?

I am fully aware that the HSE has withdrawn its service from the Canal Communities task force. A review of the Canal Communities task force in the north inner city was conducted, which raised a number of issues on which the HSE has not been able to come to an amicable agreement. I fully support the HSE's decision to withdraw its co-ordinator and its other representative from the canal task force. The HSE is working with the groups being funded through the task force to resolve some of the issues on the ground. I am fully aware that the HSE has withdrawn its service from the task force, with which I fully agree.

It is outrageous.

We have a huge responsibility in the context of accountability-----

The task forces were working with the HSE-----

The Minister of State, without interruption.

We have huge responsibility in this area. I am the Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy and I will not stand over funding being wrongly spent, a lack of governance and abuse of services, as were identified in that review. I will not stand over that and will not be taken to task over it either.

That is outrageous.

I am fully aware of what-----

The Minister of State is being helpful.

We will move on to those who did not have an opportunity to ask questions on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Minister of State is making accusations against-----

It will remain in place until things are brought up to a certain standard.

The first of those who did not get an opportunity to contribute on Tuesday or Wednesday is Deputy Durkan.

The money that is being put into task forces is not my money. It is public funding.

The Minister of State should say that outside the House.

Deputy Joan Collins-----

The Minister of State is making accusations-----

As a Minister of State in charge of the national drugs strategy, I have a responsibility to ensure there is governance and accountability for funding of the task forces.

Hear, hear.

As long as I hold this position, I will continue to do so.

How dare the Minister of State say there is no accountability in the drugs task forces?

I call Deputy Durkan.