DRUGS AS DEADLY A THREAT AS TERRORISM - AHERN

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has condemned the drugs trade as a form of
terrorism, saying it has brought suffering, hardship and tragedy to
Irish people.

"Drugs have caused countless deaths and ruined the lives of thousands
of people as surely as the bombs and bullets of other terrorist gangs
have worldwide," he said.

Mr Ahern was speaking at the opening of Ozanam House Resource Centre
in Mountjoy Square, Dublin. The surrounding area has many social
problems, such as alcohol and drug abuse and family breakdown.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has transformed a five -storey
Georgian building into a modern facility to serve the community's
needs. Mr Ahern said it was a great asset to the area and hoped it
would reduce the chances of young people getting involved in drugs.

Chairperson of the project, Rose McGowan, said the centre would
provide recreation and development facilities for young people by
promoting sport, drama, music and other after-school activities. The
centre serves young and old alike, with baby and child facilities and
drop-in centre for elderly people.

Ozanam House, whose euro2m refurbishment was funded by the Society,
Government and Millennium funds, also offers education and training
facilities.