The Government is seeking an increase in the number of people charged with drug offences by 50 per cent in the next six years.
The target, outlined yesterday by the new Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, should raise the number of persons charged from around 8,000 to 12,000.
He made the announcement in his first speech to gardaí graduating from the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary.
He revealed that drugs with a "street value" of €50 million were seized in the State last year, a marked increase in value on the previous year's seizures which were estimated at €20 million.
He said: "One of the major challenges facing the Garda Síochána, and society as a whole, is the problem of substance misuse, and more particularly the misuse of drugs.
"I want to assure you, who are operating in the front line in tackling the drugs problem as well as every concerned member of the community, the fight against drug misuse goes on.
"This Government, as did the last government, intends to keep the fight against drugs to the forefront of the political agenda. This objective is clearly set out in the Agreed Programme for Government which recognises the fight against drugs as one of society's great challenges," he said.
Garda resources will be increased substantially in Local Drugs Task Force Areas arising from the general increase in the Force's strength. The aim is also to increase drug seizures by 25 per cent by 2004 and by 50 per cent by 2008, he continued.
Mr McDowell also outlined the Government's intention in reducing street violence and public disorder, particularly in cases arising from alcohol abuse and loitering in particular places late at night.
Mr McDowell said: "Single episodes of drinking can lead to car accidents or injuries from assaults both outside and, sadly, inside the home. It is the latter which particularly concerns me, especially because of the steady increase since 1995 in domestic violence, assaults and public order offences related to misuse of alcohol.
"Parents, as well, have a special responsibility in society to ensure that their children behave in accordance with society's norms. It is my duty, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to provide an appropriate response where abuse of alcohol threatens the peace of the community."
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2002, will provide gardaí with new powers including the closure of premises where disorder is taking place and imposition of an "exclusion order" to prohibit a person from entering, or being in the vicinity of, specified premises for a period of up to 12 months.
Mr McDowell said: "The changes in the law which this Bill proposes should assist gardaí greatly in restoring peace and order to areas which have been plagued by the problem of drunken disorder. In essence, the Bill will reinforce the message that those who engage in such behaviour will be dealt with quickly and effectively through the criminal justice system."
The Minister also emphasised the need for public confidence in the Garda Síochána. He referred to the establishment of the Independent Garda Inspectorate which will independently examine complaints against gardaí. He said it would have the powers of an Ombudsman.
He told the recruits: "You are entering the Garda Síochána at a time of change within the force, a time when a significant process of reform is under way, but a time when the traditional values of the force remain as relevant as ever - values based on dedicated service to the public and the State, and the impartial enforcement of the law. Those are values that so many who have gone before you in the Garda Síochána have upheld with honour and distinction, values to which so many have dedicated their lives, values for which some have even given their lives. I pay tribute to the memory of all members who have lost their lives in the service of the people."