You might have already heard about the National Drugs Strategy in the media. To put it simply, it is a very detailed Government document, setting out how the drug-issue is going to be addressed at all levels.
The current National Drugs Strategy runs from 2001 until 2008 and lists 100 actions that must happen over that period of time.
The National Drug Strategy Team has the responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of actions and for reporting on the progress being made. At Government level, Minister of State, Noel Ahern TD, has special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy.
This Strategy is based on four pillars - Supply Reduction, Prevention, Treatment and Research - under which the 100 individual actions have been identified. These actions are being carried out by a number of Departments and Agencies, including the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) and 10 Regional Drug Task Forces.
The LDTFs, including the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force, produce action plans, which are assessed by the National Drugs Strategy Team. A variety of projects in the areas of supply reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and awareness are funded in the LDTF areas through these plans. Read more about the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force here.
In 2002, the LDTF model was expanded to cover the entire country through the Regional Drug Task Forces (RDTFs). Read more about these Regional Drug Task Forces here.
The Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) is another major programme under the National Drugs Strategy. Established in 1998, the YPFSF helps ‘at risk’ young people to stay away from possible drug use by providing sporting and recreational facilities.
For more detailed information on the National Drugs Strategy, please visit the website of the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs at www.pobail.ie.
