The effectiveness of the Chief Minister's Drug and Alcohol Strategy will again be called into question in the House of Keys this week.

Backbencher Bill Malarkey (pictured) will quiz both the Home Affairs and Health Ministers about how well it is working.

So far, it has cost the taxpayer over ?4.5 million.

Kate Skinner has more (audio file attached):

The Minister for Home Affairs, Martyn Quayle, will be asked for the number of arrests, convictions and cautions in relation to the strategy over the last three years, including how many referrals there have been to the Drug Arrest Referral Scheme.

Meanwhile, the DHSS Minister Eddie Teare, will be asked over the last three years - how many referrals have attended the Drug and Alcohol Team, what is the waiting period for an appointment, how many beds have been occupied by rehab clients, how many people have been referred to UK facilities and at what cost, when will be new unit at Noble's Hospital be open, and whether the DHSS supports any charities which help people with substance abuse problems.

The matter will also be a hot topic in the Legislative Council as member Eddie Lowey asks the Chief Minister for details of what steps are being taken to combat the use of class A drugs and to rehabilitate addicts.