The Government Task Force and its review of drug treatment services: the promotion of an evidence-based approach

The Task Force was set up in April 1994 on the initiative of a health minister of the time, Dr Brian Mawhinney. The terms of reference given to it were:

To conduct a comprehensive survey of clinical, operational and cost effectiveness of existing services for drug misusers; to review current policy in relation to the principal objective of assisting drug misusers to achieve and maintain a drug free state, and the secondary objective of reducing harm caused to themselves and others by those who continue to use drugs; to make recommendations where appropriate and to report to Ministers.