One of the key recommendations of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 was the
establishment of Regional Drugs Task Forces throughout Ireland, based on the geographical
boundaries of the former health boards. The function of each Task Force is to research,
develop and implement, using a partnership approach, a coordinated, regionally-appropriate
response to substance misuse. The Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF) was duly set up
to cover the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon and the first meeting was held in May
2003. In addition to the Chair and Coordinator, members of the WRDTF include representatives
from a range of statutory, local authority, voluntary, community, non-profit and other non-
governmental organisations across the region.
Each Task Force was required to produce a regional strategic plan based on identified problems,
resources and gaps in services. Shared Solutions, the WRDTF Strategic Plan, is the culmination
of a lengthy series of discussions within the Task Force, as well as a consultation process with
invited organisations conducted in late 2004. It also takes cognisance of a range of different
regional and national policy documents, research reports and other literature. Therefore, we
hope, it reflects the collective thinking of a large number of people. It was submitted to the
National Drug Strategy Team in late April 2005 and approved in late September.
The structure of Shared Solutions follows guidelines issued by the National Drugs Strategy Team,
and takes as its main themes the 'four pillars' of the National Drug Strategy: Research, Prevention & Education, Treatment, and Supply Reduction. It also looks at important cross-cutting issues
relating to social inclusion. Although at Government level the national alcohol and drugs strategies
are managed separately, a policy decision was taken early on by the WRDTF to include alcohol
in its deliberations. This decision reflects the reality that alcohol is the main problem drug
nationally and regionally, and that the nature of substance misuse in our society does not
necessarily follow lines neatly drawn by political, legal, social or institutional definitions. Shared
Solutions implies 'joined-up' thinking, mutual values, complementary ways of working and
collective actions.
This document sets out a broad framework for integrated action, and highlights a wide range of
inter-related issues to be addressed in the short, medium and long term. The appointment of a full-time Coordinator and other core staff, expected in early 2006, as well as the provision
of appropriate funds, will allow the preparation and implementation of an Operational Plan based
on the present strategy. The practical work of the Task Force is only just beginning. Concerted
effort and commitment will be needed, not just to directly address problems relating to substance
misuse, but also to develop and strengthen the inter-agency partnerships needed to make real
progress.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the members of the Task Force for their
dedication, continued participation and valuable input over the past two years. I wish to thank
Interim Coordinator Fiona Walsh for managing the development of the Task Force and this
Strategic Plan, Simon Comer for his research contributions to the production of the strategy,
and Mary Rowland for her excellent administrative work. Thanks also to all the many people
who participated in the Open Space consultations in 2004.
Padraig Hughes
Cathaoirleach
Western Region Drugs Task Force
December, 2005
|
