Staffing shortage at drugs group criticised

THERE are no researchers currently employed on the National Advisory Committee on Drugs – a body set up to conduct research with a view to advising the Government on policy in the area.

The NACD is now outsourcing all of its work to private consultants, and is currently in the process of commissioning research on psychoactive substances sold in head shops and other outlets.

Criticising the situation, Daithi Doolan of anti-drugs umbrella group, Citywide, said the organisation had no researchers of its own and now had to pay consultants to carry out its work.