Government urged to appoint minister to combat drug abuse

The appointment of a Government minister with sole responsibility for tackling drug abuse has been called for by up to 80 community groups across the State.

The call by Citywide, which supports a network of local projects and individuals working to tackle the drugs problem, was supported yesterday by Fianna Fáil Senator and Dáil candidate Cyprian Brady.

Mr Brady, who is standing in Dublin Central alongside Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, said such an appointment should be made as soon as possible.

The Citywide organisation, in its Drugs - A New Deal manifesto published yesterday, made seven key demands of any new government after the election.

Currently Noel Ahern is Minister of State with responsibility for housing and the National Drug Strategy (NDS).

As well as calling for a ministerial post with sole responsibility for the NDS, Citywide is calling for:

• Full implementation of the NDS before it expires next year;

• Adequate budgets for the local and regional drugs taskforces;

• Money to provide sufficient rehabilitation services;

• The establishment of local community policing forums;

• A commitment from government to re-engage with local community groups,

• Provide support for families affected by drugs.

A number of those at the event yesterday strongly criticised the failure of Noel Ahern to attend the event, which saw the Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte as well as TDs Damien English of Fine Gael, Joe Costello of the Labour Party, Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party, Aengus Ó Snodaigh of Sinn Féin, Independents Tony Gregory and Finian McGrath and Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald all in attendance.

Joe Dowling, of the Inner City Drugs Task Force, said Noel Ahern's absence was indicative of the lack of urgency the Government is showing on the drugs problem. He claimed Mr Ahern was "probably off opening a train station when people are dying because of drugs. This is a massive issue and nothing is happening on it."

A spokeswoman for Mr Ahern said he had not confirmed to Citywide that he would be at yesterday's event.

A representative from Ballyfermot, west Dublin, said the waiting list for methadone maintenance in the area was 12 months.

Another member of the audience attacked the Labour Party for failing to identify the drugs problem as an issue in its 10-point plan for Dublin.