Pubdate: Wed, 02 Feb 2000
Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2000 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Author: Noel McAdam

MINISTERS DELAY DECISION ON DRUGS

THE Assembly Executive yesterday deferred a decision on responsibility for 
Northern Ireland's drugs strategy .

Despite the currentpolitical uncertainty and the prospect that both the 
Executive Committee and the Assembly may be suspended, Ministers said they 
would determine overall responsibility for the strategy at their next 
meeting, due next Tuesday.

But a statement after yesterday's seventh meeting of the Executive said 
there had been no delay in dealing with the additional pounds 1m funding 
earmarked for action to tackle growing drugs abuse.

Ministers also discussed proposals for the next Structural Funds Programme.

The European Union's Regional Policy Commissioner, Michel Barnier, is due 
to visit Northern Ireland on Friday.

He will hold talks with Secretary of State Peter Mandelson and meet 
representatives from a number of EU funded youth 
projects.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart