Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Drugs Strategy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

177 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has assisted or proposes to assist the various groups involved in combating the drugs problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28774/03]

My Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. It contains 100 actions, under the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research, to be implemented by a range of Departments and agencies.

In 1997 local drugs task forces were established in areas with the worst levels of drug misuse. My Department is also responsible for their work. The task forces received over €65 million to implement their two rounds of action plans. A further €11.6 million was allocated to capital projects under the premises initiative. It was designed to meet the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects. Over €59 million was allocated under the young people's facilities and services fund in LDTF areas and four other urban centres. The fund aims to attract at risk young people in disadvantaged areas into recreational facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. My Department's Estimates for drugs services in 2004 has increased by 5%.

Barr
Roinn