As the Deputy is aware, my Department has responsibility for the work of the 14 local drugs task forces and the young people's facilities and services fund which operate in the areas experiencing the worst levels of drug misuse. Through these initiatives a wide range of projects and services are being supported, some of which involve the employment of outreach workers. These people play a vital role in tackling the drugs problem in their areas and many of them work with at-risk young people trying to divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. Information as to the current numbers of such workers is not available to my Department. However, I regard them as committed people whose ongoing work and support is vital to the continued implementation of the national drugs strategy in Ireland.