Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jan 2000 Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK) Copyright: 2000 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd. Contact: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ Author: Darwin Templeton, Chief Reporter ASSEMBLY DRUG WAR WRANGLE Stormont confusion could cost province millions in funds Ulster's war on drugs has been thrown into confusion by wrangling at Stormont, it emerged today. Frontline counsellors who treat addicts say their work on the streets is being hindered by confusion at the Assembly. The Northern Ireland Central Co-ordinating Group on Drugs - which spearheads the Government's response to the menace - has not met since October. Security Minister Adam Ingram stepped down as chairman after powers were switched to Stormont. Sources claimed that Health Minister Bairbre De Brun was expected to take over, but is refusing to sit on the high-powered committee because it includes the RUC Drugs Squad. As a result, a radical new strategy designed to overhaul Ulster's anti-drugs efforts has been left in limbo. The delay has also blocked the first wave of a pounds 5.5m cash injection and put back the crucial appointment of a Northern Ireland drugs "czar". Drug workers are warning that dealers are trying to establish a market for hard drugs like cocaine and heroin in the province alongside Ecstasy and cannabis. Today, the confusion at Stormont was highlighted when the Department of Health declined to state when the NICCG would meet again and insisted: "Arrangements within the new Executive for taking forward the drugs strategy are currently being developed." But officials at other departments referred inquiries on drugs to the Department of Health. The Belfast Telegraph has learned that the NICCG was due to hold a crucial meeting in December to push through the drugs battle reforms, but the summit was cancelled. Almost pounds 1m of the drugs money was due to be spent this financial year. The funds were to be handed out last November - but are still stuck in the pipeline. And some voluntary groups fear that the cash could be lost if it is not spent before March 31. One drugs worker said: "When the initiative was announced, we were told that we had until the end of September. "You can imagine the panic that ensued and we had to throw a lot of resources at it. "We were told that there would be an announcement by mid-November and there's been nothing." Dr Joe Hendron, chairman of the Assembly's health committee, said he would be seeking urgent clarification. He said: "I intend to write to Mr Ingram, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister today to get answers. "A decision needs to be made soon as a lot of groups are depending on this cash for their very existence." Assemblywoman Iris Robinson vowed to raise the issue at tomorrow's health committee meeting, saying: "It is deplorable if the minister is refusing to take this on board." - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck