The information required by the Deputy in respect of the agencies which receive funding from my Department is as follows.
The Western Development Commission's annual reports published to date reflect its progress in achieving its key objectives by outlining its activities and achievements. These reports have been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. Key performance indicators for the commission's western investment fund are reported bi-annually to the BMW operational programme and the S & E operational programme monitoring committee. Details of the fund's operation are published in annual reports. As I announced in July, I have initiated a review of the purpose, functional area and operation of the commission.
National Advisory Committee on Drugs: The performance indicators of this committee, which was established in July 2000, are set out in the national drugs strategy 2001-08. The NACD reports regularly – usually bi-annually – to an interdepartmental committee on progress made in implementing the work programme and in meeting the requirements set for it under the national drugs strategy. The committee is due to publish its first annual report next year.
National Drugs Strategy Team: Under the national drugs strategy 2001-08, terms of reference and a series of actions were set for the NDST which it has to report on regularly. The NDST is obliged to produce an annual report, the first of which is due next year. In addition, the Department will publish a report on the nature and extent of the drug problem and on progress being made in achieving the objectives set out in the strategy early in the New Year.
Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board: This board has begun work on preparing a plan for disbursement of surplus dormant funds, which will include the objectives, strategies and priorities for the scheme. The plan is expected to be completed in the spring of 2003. The board is required by legislation to review and if necessary update its plan not later than three years after its establishment, i.e. 5 June 2005 and at least once in every three years thereafter. The relevant Act also requires that the board present an annual report to me as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the performance of its functions during the previous financial year and that the reports be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The first such report is required not later than 30 June 2004.