Concerns raised in Waterford over long absence of lead co-ordinator from drugs taskforce
Waterford TD David Cullinane has called for clarity on the staffing of the South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force
Concerns have been raised in Waterford over the long absence of a permanent lead co-ordinator from a local drugs taskforce.
Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has called on the HSE and Minister for Health to provide urgent clarity over the staffing of the South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force.
It comes after concerns were raised that its permanent lead co-ordinator has not been in post for six years.
Deputy Cullinane said the situation was completely unacceptable, particularly given the scale of the challenge facing communities across the South East in relation to addiction, drug-related intimidation and violence.
He stated: “The South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force has an extremely important role in coordinating services and responses across Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and South Tipperary.
“It is deeply concerning that the permanent lead co-ordinator has not been in post for six years and that serious concerns are now being raised about the impact this is having on the functioning of the task force.
“We know that the role has been covered on an interim basis, but six years without a permanent resolution is simply not acceptable.”
Deputy Cullinane outlined the importance of having a permanent co-ordinator in place, particularly given the prominence of drug intimidation locally.
“At a time when communities are dealing with addiction, organised criminality and drug-related intimidation, we need strong and properly resourced structures capable of responding.
“The DRIVE programme, which deals directly with drug-related intimidation and violence, is particularly important.
“Any suggestion that the wider task force is being impeded in carrying out this work has to be taken extremely seriously.”
He called on the Department of Health and the HSE to address the issue and make sure a permanent co-ordinator is in place.
“I have submitted Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Health asking exactly how long the permanent coordinator has been absent from the role, whether the individual remains on paid leave, who is currently carrying out the duties of the role, what interim arrangements are in place, and why this situation has remained unresolved for so long.
“The HSE also needs to explain what steps have been taken over the past six years to resolve the issue and when a permanent solution will finally be put in place.
“Six years is far too long. The HSE and the Minister must now provide clear answers.”
Deputy Cullinane concluded by saying that both parties must ensure the task force has the leadership and resources it needs to do its job.