Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 7

Written Answers. - Community Awareness of Drugs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to make funds available, from the proceeds of the national lottery or otherwise, to Community Awareness of Drugs (CAD) having regard to the important work undertaken by this organisation; if his attention has been drawn to the full extent of the services provided by the Community Awareness of Drugs; his views on the important contribution made by the organisation; if his attention has been further drawn to the financial requirements of the group for the foreseeable future; if he will make a positive response to the request for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I greatly value the work which voluntary organisations, including Community Awareness of Drugs, CAD, does in the area of drug abuse. To reflect this, the funding which CAD received in 1993 was doubled compared to 1992 and this level of funding was continued in 1994.

Officials from my Department recently met with representatives of CAD to discuss the services provided by the group and its request for additional funding. The request is presently under the examination by my Department, in consultation with the Eastern Health Board, and a decision will be reached shortly.