DRUG TSAR APPOINTED

ULSTER'S first drug strategy co-ordinator was today appointed by the
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Jo Daykin, who is expected to take up her post in February, is tasked with
implementing the 1999 Drug Strategy.

The initiative was set up to tackle the problem of drug misuse across a
wide range of sectors.

The four main themes of the strategy include young people, treatment,
protecting communities and stemming the availability of illicit drugs.

Ms Daykin said she was looking forward to the "challenge" of combating
drugs abuse.

She said: "I'm looking forward to developing links with the wide and
diverse range of groups and organisations involved in this area".

Ms Daykin founded the Dunlewey Substance Advice Centre in 1987 and was
chairwoman of the Eastern Drugs Co-ordination Team in 1996.