White participating in High Level Debate on Drugs Policy at EU Commission on Narcotic Drugs Conference

Minister of State for Primary Care Alex White T.D  has today addressed the 56th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna. Minister White, who has responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, spoke on behalf of the EU Presidency.

The conference, held under
the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council, brings together representatives from all over the world to debate drugs policy and its implementation.

Minister White was followed at the podium by the Bolivian President Evo Morales.

“This is a vitally important conference providing an opportunity to debate policies and strategies to combat the drugs problem world wide. As we address the enormous challenges associated with drugs misuse in Ireland, we must also continue our work in the international context, particularly through our current Presidency of the European Union.

In that context we are playing the lead coordinating role in the preparation of an Action Plan for 2013-2016. I was pleased to be able to address the conference on behalf of the E.U Presidency, and also to have the opportunity to hear the views and experiences of countries from every region of the world.”