Vol. 567 No. 5
438 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on his efforts to date by way of assistance towards community groups involved in combating the drugs problem; if adequate funds exist to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14689/03]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department co-ordinates the implementation of the national drugs strategy 2001-08. The strategy brings together all elements of drugs policy in Ireland into a single framework with responsibilities clearly assigned. It contains 100 separate actions across the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research to be carried out by a range of Departments and agencies.
My Department also has responsibility for the work of the local drugs task forces. The majority of the task forces are currently implementing their second round action plans. To date, the two plans have funded approximately 500 local community-based projects.
Since 1997, more than €130 million has been either spent or allocated to projects in the local drugs task force areas through the two local action plans –€65 million, the Premises Initiative for drugs projects –€11.5 million – and the young people's facilities and services fund –€54 million.
The Deputy should note that in 2003, an amount of €16 million is available under the drugs subhead to fund the work of the local drugs task forces, the Premises Initiative and the National Advisory Committee on Drugs. This represents an increase of approximately 16% over the funding available in 2002.
