Sinn Féin said today that if elected it would create a minister of state post with sole responsibility for tackling the drugs problem if elected to government.
The party's justice spokesman, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, said illegal drugs are now available in most villages and small towns.
"This is now a major national issue, which requires a very focused approach at Government level," he said. "We have a major lack of availability of treatment services which is contributing to the overall problem. While many drug users seek treatment, they must either wait months or travel long distances."
Mr Ó Snodaigh said although there are an estimated 13,000 heroin users in Dublin alone, there are only an estimated 22 detoxification beds in the State. "Currently there are no methadone clinics in Cork or Limerick which means opiate users there must travel to Dublin for treatment," he said.
He added that the new minister would also have responsibility for co-coordinating enforcement action against the illegal drugs trade on an all-Ireland basis.
He said Sinn Féin would introduce structures to enhance community co-operation with the Garda in enforcement against drug traffickers and drug dealers, and increase the resources made to the Garda Drugs Units and introduce local Garda accountability structures.