The Government is to set up a Regional Drugs Task Force as part of its new National Drugs Strategy for the next seven years.
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The strategy is the result of a review of existing drugs policy in the State and is the first time that all elements of drugs strategy here will be combined in a single framework.
Speaking at the launch today, the Minister of State, Mr Eoin Ryan, said a striking feature of the review was the high incidence of underage drinking and alcohol abuse by young people, particularly outside Dublin.
This abuse is generally seen as a potential step to drug abuse.
The new strategy sets out four `pillars' in its policy ' supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research. There will be various targets set, including an increase in the number of gardaí in Local Drug Task Force areas, and the number of methadone treatment places are expected to reach 6,500 by the end of 2002.
The review, which began in May 2000, showed cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the State, followed by ecstasy. Heroin abuse remains almost exclusively a Dublin phenomenon.
Treatment of people with drug problems will include access to professional counselling and assessment. A protocol to treat under-18s will also be developed by the middle of next year.
Programmes on drug abuse and the dangers involved will be introduced into all schools as part of an ongoing national awareness campaign.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said today: 'In Ireland, like many countries throughout the world, drug misuse continues to wreak havoc on the lives of individuals, families and communities. There is no easy answer to the drugs problem, but this is a challenge we must all take up."