Tony Gregory
Ceist:81 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare his response to the request for part-funding of the Inter Agency Drugs Sub-Committee of the Inner City Organisations Network. [15687/95]
Written Answers. - Inner City Organisations Network.
The Inner City Organisations Network approached my Department for part funding of this project early this year. In response, it was explained that a review of areas in which there was an overlap as between my Department and the Department of Health was carried out earlier this year. Following from this review, it was decided that the Department of Health would have exclusive responsibility for funding organisations providing services appropriate to the health services. This would include services relating to drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. On foot of this agreement, a total of £1.54 million was transferred from my Department to the health services in 1995 to be made available for support to voluntary social services organisations.
In this context, it would not be possible for my Department to provide funding for this specific project as it is outside the remit of the grant schemes operated by the Department. I might also explain that the Department of Social Welfare has never had a role in relation to funding of services in relation to drug abuse. The Departments with the lead roles in this area are Health and Justice and I understand that both these Departments have undertaken to support the Inter Agency Drugs Sub-Committee with funding.
Notwithstanding this, I have arranged for an official of my Department to attend meetings of the group as an observer to ensure that should matters arise which come within the remit of this Department that there will be a speedy response. I have asked to be kept informed of developments.