Seán Haughey
Question:957 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the action he is taking to prevent drug abuse with particular reference to the drug task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19190/00]
Vol. 523 No. 1
957 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the action he is taking to prevent drug abuse with particular reference to the drug task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19190/00]
Local drugs task forces have been set up in 14 areas, the vast majority in the Dublin area, where heroin abuse is the primary concern. The task forces bring together key State agencies to work with local elected representatives and community and voluntary groups in the target areas in developing appropriate responses to the local drug problem.
The task forces prepared action plans in 1997 and the Government approved £10 million funding, over and above that already available to State agencies, to support the implementation of the measures set out in these plans. Over 200 projects were supported to deliver a range of interventions under the themes of prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and supply reduction.
All of the projects are to be independently evaluated with a view to mainstreaming those which are considered to be achieving their aims and objectives. In this context, mainstreaming means that the projects will continue to be funded through a relevant State agency, in line with agreed procedures which protect their ethos. Decisions on mainstreaming are due before year end.