My Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. It contains 100 actions, under the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research, to be implemented by a range of Departments and agencies.
In 1997 local drugs task forces were established in areas with the worst levels of drug misuse. My Department is also responsible for their work. The task forces received over €65 million to implement their two rounds of action plans. A further €11.6 million was allocated to capital projects under the premises initiative. It was designed to meet the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects. Over €59 million was allocated under the young people's facilities and services fund in LDTF areas and four other urban centres. The fund aims to attract at risk young people in disadvantaged areas into recreational facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. My Department's Estimates for drugs services in 2004 has increased by 5%.