The East Coast Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (ECRDATF) is one of ten Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (RDATFs) in Ireland that were set up in 2003 “to strengthen existing partnerships in and with communities and build new partnerships to tackle the problems of drug misuse” using the co-ordination framework of Regional DATFs (RDATFs) as one of its key elements. It remains important, therefore, that RDATFs operate effectively at regional and community level with clear objectives in accordance with appropriate principles. The RDATFs are guided by the principles of propriety; responsiveness; transparency; accountability; efficiency and effectiveness; and partnership. The ECRDATF and its sub-structures bring together members representing the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, public representatives, and key interest groups to co-ordinate a collective and integrated response to substance misuse across the East Coast Region.

This partnership work is carried out under key goals as identified in the National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery: A health-led response to drug & alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025. The Terms of Reference of Drugs and Alcohol Task Forces are:

• To coordinate the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy in the context of the needs of the region/local area.
• To implement the actions of the National Drugs Strategy where Task Forces have been assigned a role.
• To promote the implementation of evidence-based local/regional drug and alcohol strategies and to exchange best practice.
• To support and strengthen community-based responses to drug and alcohol misuse.
• To maintain an up-to-date overview on the nature and extent of drug and alcohol misuse in the area/region.
• To identify and report on emerging issues and advocate for the development of policies or actions needed to address the problems.
• To monitor, evaluate and assess the impact of the funded projects and their continued relevance to the local/regional drugs task force strategy and to recommend changes in the funding allocations as deemed necessary.

TASK FORCE ENQUIRIES:
If you wish to enquire about the Task Force and its operation, please contact the Coordinator:

Colm Walsh
HSE Offices,
Block B Civic centre,
Bray, Co. Wicklow