The public row between the Department of Health and a Dublin drugs taskforce has escalated further after comments made by the drugs strategy minister in the Dáil. The Irish Examiner understands from sources that the Dáil statement has worsened the standoff between the department and many members of the taskforce. The dispute centres on the selection by the taskforce of a replacement chairperson with Anna Quigley, a long-time community activist being chosen. It alleged there were “governance shortcomings” and said the suspension would run until the introduction of an alternative appointment process. The unprecedented move marks the first suspension of a local drugs taskforce in their 25 years in existence.

Source: Irish Examiner July 19, 2021 05:26 UTC