Representatives from across the British-Irish Council have met in Dublin today for the first meeting of the Misuse of Drugs Sectoral Group.
The meeting was hosted by the Minister of State for Local Development, Mr Eoin Ryan who has with special responsibility for the national drugs strateg. Also in attendance were representatives from the UK government, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.
Delegates reiterated their commitment to combating the misuse of drugs. The issues discussed included the targeting of drug trafficking proceeds; community involvement in evolving drug strategies; and developing training and employment opportunities for recovering drug misusers.
Today was the first British-Irish Council meeting since the the Taoiseach hosted a summit in Dublin Castle in November 2001.
The Council was established under the Strand Three provisions of the Good Friday Agreement as a forum for members to exchange information and endeavour to reach agreement on co-operation on matters of mutual interest.
A seminar for managers and policy makers will be held later in the year and ministers will meet again to review progress in early 2003.
