For the past two years the north inner city has been without any drugs and alcohol task force. For those two years the HSE has consistently and wrongly claimed the task force acted outside of its remit or beyond its powers in its appointment of its new chairperson. The HSE and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, issued a statement yesterday that they will reconstitute the drug task force. There was no consultation with the local group. The statement goes on to say the HSE will recruit and appoint a new chairperson. The behaviour of the HSE in this episode has been quite disgraceful. I have raised this previously with the Taoiseach. I raised it with his predecessor, Deputy Micheál Martin, when he was Taoiseach. I have raised it with countless Ministers. I ask that the Minister for Health comes before the House and makes a statement on this matter.

Absolutely. I agree 100%.

I will answer this question. The north inner city drug and alcohol task force plays an invaluable role in addressing drug problems in line with the national drugs strategy and in the north-east inner city. The decision to reconstitute the task force followed extensive consultation with former members of the task force and local stakeholders. I have been in this role for the past six months and from my point of view it is very important that we get this task force back up and running. We want to make sure we have adequate services that are funded. More than €2 million is being allocated to services in this area. I want to make sure we get the task force back up and running and those services rolled out. This is my priority as Minister of State with responsibility for this area.

The fact of the matter is the HSE has toppled the community leadership there. It is disgraceful behaviour by the HSE and the Minister.