The emerging needs fund was devised to address an evolving situation in regard to the misuse of drugs on a flexible basis, in the light of new needs. To date I have allocated almost €850,000 under the emerging needs fund to 14 projects.
In the light of the substantially increased level of funding allocated in the Revised Estimates figures for drugs initiatives under my Department, I will shortly make further allocations under the fund. The total allocation to projects under the fund is likely to be in excess of €3 million. I look forward to successful outcomes from the initiatives that are allocated moneys under this fund.