Minsiter opens Drug and Alcohol Tender Opportunity

• Drugs and Alcohol Coordination Team

Before his departure Shaun Woodward, Minister for the Department said:

This strategy will ensure that tackling the worrying growth in alcohol and drug misuse is made a priority. Research shows that 13% of young drinkers (11-16) have been drunk more than 10 times and 12% have tried cannabis.

The Strategy document contains a range of proposals designed to develop a co-ordinated and integrated approach to tackling the twin issues of alcohol and drug misuse in Northern Ireland. It has a main aim of reducing the level of alcohol and drug-related harm in Northern Ireland through a series of inter-connected short, medium and long term outcomes. These will be delivered through activities and initiatives at both local and regional level.

The document also has proposals to develop Indicators of Harm to measure success and to produce an Annual Report so that the people of Northern Ireland can see what progress is being made.

Tender documents, for those who wish to participate in the tendering process, can be downloaded from the Central Services, Regional Supplies Service website from Monday 8th May 2006.

The Internet address is: - www.csarss.net

To download the tender documents company/organisation details have to be registered on the site. Full are available on the website.

The Strategy document can be accessed from the Department's website - http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/nsdad-finalversion-may06.pdf

Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0571 or Clare Baxter on 07919400248.

The deadline for this process is given as both 31 May 2006 and 2 June 2006. Check with the contact for correct details. It should also be noted that problems were experienced with this website in downloading the relevant forms. You ought to bear this in mind relation to the deadlines.