"TURF wars" between Government departments and statutory agencies have delayed the introduction of local drugs task forces, the Minister of State, Mr Pat Rabbitte, said last night.
Speaking at a public meeting on drugs in Dublin, Mr Rabbitte said the introduction of the initiative had been "a painful process".
"Regrettably, there are turf wars' and tensions between the communities and agencies, and between the agencies themselves. .. If each concludes that only they know the answers we won't make any progress," he said.
The Minister said co operation between the Garda, health boards and local authorities "leaves a little to be desired".
The initiative was recommended in the first report of the Ministerial Task Force on Measures to Reduce the Demand for Drugs, of which Mr Rabbitte is chairman. Since October, eight of the 10 designated forces have been established. The Minister assured the meeting that the last two should shortly be in place.
He added that future tensions between different bodies, such as the Garda and community groups, would be handled by a new National Drugs Strategy Team. Although the final composition of this agency has not yet been announced, the Minister said it would include civil servants from relevant government Departments, members of the Garda, and health board representatives.
If the body is unable to resolve disputes, it will be able to consult a Cabinet committee, composed of the relevant ministers and chaired by the Taoiseach.
Each local task force is to devise a development plan for the area, containing a package of measures on drug treatment, rehabilitation, education and prevention. Some £10 million is to be spent this year on the implementation of these plans, while another £3 million has been allocated for estate improvements.
Last night's meeting was organised by the Dublin branch of the Irish Council of the European Movement. Among those present were social workers, counsellors and community activists, as well as officials from EU embassies in Ireland.
