Vol. 567 No. 5
116 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion as they affect the funding for the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14497/03]
My Department has responsibility for the work of the local drugs task forces, which were established in 1997, in the areas experiencing the worst levels of drug misuse. Currently, there are 14 local drugs task forces – 12 in Dublin, one in Cork and one in Bray. All the LDTFs, with the exception of Bray, are currently implementing their second round of action plans and, to date, over €14.5 million has been allocated to implement these plans. In total, the Government, through the Cabinet committee on social inclusion, has allocated or spent over €65 million to implement approximately 500 projects contained in the plans of the task forces since 1997. The Deputy should also note that over €11.5 million has been allocated by the Cabinet committee to projects under the premises initiative, which is designed to meet the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects, the majority of which are in LDTF areas.
In addition, over €59 million has been allocated to Cabinet committee to support approximately 350 facility and services projects in LDTF areas and the four other urban centres under the young peoples facilities and services fund. The main aim of the fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into recreational facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 110.
