POUNDS 45M ANTI-DRUGS FUND TO HELP YOUTH

A pounds 45m fund for youth facilities will help lure youngsters away from
drug abuse, said Minister of State Eoin Ryan yesterday, writes Alan O'Keeffe.

The money is being spent on facilities and services in areas hit hard by
drug problems or where problems could develop, said Mr Ryan, Minister with
responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy.

The fund is mainly a prevention measure, aimed towards 'at risk' young
people. Around pounds 35m will be spent in areas with local drugs task
forces. A review of the national drugs strategy will be published on May
10. Mr Ryan was at the Soilse rehabilitation centre's open day in Dublin's
North Frederick Street.