The Ballyfermot Drugs Task Force is an excellent example of what can be achieved in tackling drugs problems through partnership between local communities and statutory agencies, according to Minister of State Mr Chris Flood.
Mr Flood, who has special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, was speaking at the publication of the task force's first progress report. Two years ago, he said, Ballyfermot was one of the worst areas affected by drugs, but today, thanks to the community-based response, a wide range of support structures and services existed.
Mr David Connolly, chairman of the task force, said a drug problem was never simple. It was part of a much larger picture involving many social issues.
"Children need to feel that school is worth attending; parents need to learn how to direct their children away from drugs that are being offered to them on a daily basis; police and community need to work together, and adequate treatment and rehabilitation facilities need to provide a wide range of services to support drug misusers, their families and the community.
"All of this needs to happen, and crucially the community itself has to lead the response".
Through the drugs task force, a number of initiatives have been introduced. The capacity to deliver treatment and care has doubled in two years, and a Family Centre, Drug-Free Rehabilitation Centre, and Stabilisation Unit are due to open in January. Twenty unemployed people have been employed to support the drug strategy, and a new project, Fusion, assists people who have used drugs to take part in community employment projects or to receive training/education.