As we have two Estimates to deal with today, I suggest that we spend one hour on each. I remind members that these are Supplementary Estimates.
Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus an Aire Stáit. I welcome the Minister, the Minister of State and their officials. They are here today to speak on the Supplementary Estimate for Vote 27 — Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Tá mo chuid oifigeach tar éis nóta faisnéise a thabhairt don choiste cheana féin maidir leis an Meastachán Forlíontach seo atá molta. Dá bhrí sin, níl sé ar intinn agam ach aitheasc gairid a dhéanamh i dtús báire ionas go mbeidh dóthain deise ag na comhaltaí plé a dhéanamh ar aon cheist go mba mhaith leo.
Tá an-áthas orm féin an deis a thapú an Meastachán Forlíontach seo a chur i láthair an choiste, meastachán a bhfuil sé de phríomh-chuspóir ann airgead a soláthraíodh ó chiste na gcuntas díomhaoin i ndáil le scéim shóisialta na tuaithe, fo-mhírcheann Q.3, a thabhairt isteach i Vóta na Roinne. Sa Mheastachán Forlíontach freisin tá soláthar le haghaidh caiteachais chaipitil nua faoin bhfo-mhírcheann céanna agus tá soláthar ann leis an gcoigilteas a rinneadh in áiteanna eile i Vóta na Roinne a athdháileadh ar thionscnamh na ndrugaí/ciste áiseanna agus seirbhísí do dhaoine óga, fo-mhírcheann N.
Is é an chéad thoradh a bheas ar an Meastachán Forlíontach atá a iarraidh anois ná, de bharr cúiseanna teicniúla den chuid is mó, go mbeidh an cumas ann suim €6.602 milliúin a bhí coinnithe ar fionraí ag an Roinn i dtús na bliana 2005 a thabhairt isteach sa Vóta. Is éard a bhí san airgead sin na an t-iarmhéid a bhí fágtha as an €10 milliúin a soláthraíodh as ciste na gcuntas díomhaoin i ndáil leis an scéim shóisialta tuaithe i 2004. Beidh soláthar na suime €6.602 milliúin seo sa Mheastachán Forlíontach frith-áirithe ina iomláine tríd an iarmhéid ar fionraí bheith tugtha suas don chiste Lárnach mar fháltas breise don Státchiste. Tá seo ar aon chéim leis an dtuairim a bhí léirithe ag an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste ina thuarascáil bhliantúil 2004.
Tá soláthar sa Mheastachán Forlíontach freisin chun suim €6.4 milliúin ó chiste na gcuntas díomhaoin i leith na scéime sóisialta tuaithe i 2005 a thabhairt díreach isteach i Vóta na Roinne. Tá seo i gcomhréir leis na forálacha cuí in Acht na gCuntas Díomhaoin (Leasú) 2005 a reachtaíodh níos túisce sa bhliain seo. Tá fáltas an airgeadais seo as ciste na gcuntas díomhaoin léirithe sa chomh-mhéadú atá tagtha ar phróifíl na leithghabhálacha-i-gcabhair sa Roinn i mbliana. As seo amach, tá sé ar intinn aon aistrithe ó chiste na gcuntas díomhaoin a bheith léirithe i bpróifíl leithghabhálacha-i-gcabhair na Roinne don bhliain ábhartha, mar a fhoilseofar é sna Meastacháin bliantúla.
Tá soláthar sa Mheastachán Forlíontach seo freisin do leithdháileadh caipitil nua suas go dtí €500,000 i mbliana faoi fo-mhírcheann Q3, scéim shóisialta na tuaithe. Tá an soláthar seo de mhaoiniú caipitil ag freagairt d'éileamh áitiúil agus tá sé mar chuspóir ann éifeacht an tseachadta a fheabhsú ag an leibhéal áitiúil.
Soláthraíonn an Meastachán Forlíontach freisin méadú de €5.5 milliúin sa bhliain reatha chun caiteachas reatha a sholáthar faoi fo-mhírcheann N, tionscnamh na ndrugaí/ciste áiseanna agus seirbhísí do dhaoine óga. Mar a hachoimíodh san nóta faisnéise a tugadh do chomhaltaí, cuirfidh an maoiniú breise seo tacaíocht ar fáil do riachtanais na 14 de thascfhórsaí áitiúla drugaí atá ag méadú i gcónaí — oibríonn siad anois 440 tionscadail sna limistéir, TAD; do thionscnamh agus cur i bhfeidhm na bpleananna gníomhaíochta atá curtha chun cinn ag na deich gcinn de thascfhórsaí réigiúnacha drugaí, TRD; agus oibriú leanúnach an chiste áiseanna agus seirbhísí do dhaoine óga (CASDO) sna 14 limistéir TAD agus sna hionaid uirbeacha i gCeatharlach, i nGaillimh, iLuimneach agus i bPort Láirge.
Tá an tacaíocht bhreise seo ar fad i limistéir na drugaí agus do scéim shóisialta na tuaithe á maoiniú trí athdháileadh ar choigilteas sa bhliain reatha ag éirí as fo-mhírcheann M, clár um shíocháin agus athmhuintearas, agus as fo-mhírcheann R, Uiscebhealaí Éireann.
Mar fhocal scoir, ba mhaith liom aird an choiste a dhíriú ar an bhfíric go mbeidh toradh ar an Mheastachán Forlíontach seo, atá teicniúil go maith ó thaobh nádúir de, a bheidh neodrach ar an Státchiste. Beidh áthas orm déileáil le ceist ar bith ar mian leis na comhaltaí a chur orm faoi seo.
Cuirim fáilte roimh na Meastacháin Forlíontach seo. Rinneadh tagairt don scéim sóisialta tuaithe. Tá muid ag ceartú an ruda nach raibh i gceart go dtí seo, rud a mhol an Comptroller and Auditor General. Go dtí seo bhí €20 milliúin ag teacht as an Lárchiste agus €10 milliúin ó na dormant accounts. Anois, ar mholadh an Comptroller and Auditor General, beidh sé go léir ag teacht ón aon-chiste amháin fríd an Roinn.
Níl sin i gceist go díreach. Anuraidh fuair mé €10 milliúin ó chiste na gcuntas díomhaoine agus cuireadh isteach é i suspense account i Vóta na Roinne. Bhí cuid den airgead sin fágtha ag tús na bliana, os cionn €6 milliúin, agus ansin bhí airgead breise ag teastáil i mbliana freisin, €6 mhilliún eile. Tá an t-airgead a bhí sa chuntas fionraí tugtha isteach sa Vóta agus tá an chuid eile den airgead atá ag teacht ón gciste díomhaoine eile, an €6 milliúin eile, curtha sa Vóta. Tá breis ioncam de €13 milliúin sa Vóta agus breis caiteachas de €13 mhilliúin. Tá sé neodrach. Tá an t-airgead sin fós ag teacht ó chiste na gcuntas díomhaoíne.
Bhí rud le rá ag an Comptroller and Auditor General faoin dóigh a airgeadadh an scéim seo.
An rud a bhí ag cur isteach air ná nár theastaigh uaidh go mbeadh sé ag dul fríd suspense account mechanism. Theastaigh uaidh go dtiocfadh sé isteach sa Vóta agus amach as an Vóta. Ó thaobh airgid de, tá sé neodrach go hiomlán ach tá sé níos trédhearcaí má tá sé istigh sa Vóta agus é soiléir mar appropriation-in-aid cé as a dtáinig an t-airgead. Tagann sé isteach mar appropriation-in-aid agus fágann sé mar chaiteachas.
Is fiúntach an scéim í scéim sóisialta tuaithe má chuirtear i bhfeidhm i gceart í. An dtig leis an Aire cuntas níos cruinne a thabhairt ar caidé mar atá ag éirí leis an scéim agus an mó daoine atá fostaithe sa scéim seo anois. An leanfar ar aghaidh leis an scéim sa todhchaí?
Tá €500,000 á thabhairt ar ais ó Waterways Ireland isteach sa chiste seo. Ní dhearcann sé go bhfuil Waterways Ireland chomh héifeachtach sin. Phlé muid seo roimhe agus cuireann sé iontas orm go bhfuil muid ag cur airgid ar fáil don choiste tras-Teorann seo agus níl sé ar chumas é a chaitheamh. Tá cuid mhór oibreacha gur féidir leis a dhéanamh ar dhá thaobh an Teorainn, ag forbairt na n-uiscí agus na canálacha ansin. Tá sé thar am againn amharc go géar ar an dóigh atá an t-eagraíocht seo ag gníomh mar tá sé soiléir nach bhfuil gach rud i gceart ansin.
An bhfuil an tAire sásta go bhfuil rudaí ag feabhsú ansin? An bhfuil sé sásta go bhfuil sé ag cur airgid ar ais? Chuir sé €12 milliúin ar ais don Lárchiste nár éirigh leis a chaitheamh anuraidh.
Tá deich dtasc-forsaí réigiúnacha curtha ar bun. Caidé mar atá ag éirí leo? An bhfuil plean oibre leagtha amach agus curtha i bhfeidhm acu?
Tá 1,994 daoine ag obair faoin scéim sóisialta tuaithe. An sprioc atá ann ná 2,500 agus tá sé ag méadú an t-am ar fad. Tá mé dóchasach go sroichfimid an 2,500. Tá sí ag fás mar sin mar bíonn ar na comhlachtaí Leader pobal a fháil le tionscnaimh ar dtús agus ansin na scéimeanna a thoiseacht. Tá an scéim ag fás mí i ndiaidh míosa agus níl aon amhras orm go sroichfimid an 2,500.
Ó na tuairiscí ar fad a fhaighim ar ais, tá an-obair ar bun faoin scéim seo. Bhí fadhb ann, áfach, a tharlaíonn sna scéimeanna, go mórmhór i gcás oibreacha áirithe le hathnuachan baile nó tógáil siúlóide: easnamh airgid caipitil ar fáil. De bharr gur oibrithe den scoth iad na daoine atá ar an scéim seo, dá mbeadh breis ábhair ar fáil, d'fhéadfaidís breis oibre a dhéanamh.
Rinne muid cinneadh le déanaí go gcuirfimis €500,000 ar fáil le haghaidh ábhair — materials money — agus tá cead ag comhlachtaí Leader an t-airgead sin a dhíriú i leith na dtionscnaimh go dteastaíonn breis ábhair uathu. Má tá dhá thionscnaimh in áit agus tá ceann amháin ag tógáil bealach siúlóide agus ceann eile ag maisiú na páirce CLG, ní dhá aon airgead breise a thabhairt don bpáirc CLG má tá fear ag baint féir ann chuile lá. Íoctar sin fríd an scéim ach anois tá an scéim in ann an t-airgead eile seo a threorú i dtreo na dtionscnaimh sin óna bhfuil an t-ábhar ag teastáil. Cuirfidh sin go mór leis an t-áirgiúlacht mar ní daoine dífhostaithe iad siúd atá ar scéim sóisialta tuaithe, is daoine féin-fhostaithe iad ag a bhfuil fíor-chumas oibre acu agus taithí tógála ag go leor acu agus is fiú leas a bhaint as na scíleanna atá acu.
Tá Uiscebhealaí Éireann ag déanamh dul chun cinn maith. Ba rud nua é a thógáil ar mheán Thuaidh-Theas. Baineann an t-easpa caiteachas caipitil le moill a bhí ar thógáil an cheannárais in Inis Ceithleann agus tá sin ag dul ar aghaidh anois ach ciallaíonn sin go raibh sábháilte ann i mbliana.
Tá go leor cainte faoin sábháilt ach níl sé chomh simplí sin. Tá airgead do cheannáras Waterways Ireland curtha sa Mheastachán le cúpla bliain anuas. Níor tharla sé agus chuile bhliain, fuair muid ar ais é so tá double accounting mar chúis de chuid de na sabháilte seo.
Tá feabhas mór ar Waterways Ireland agus tá an-obair ar bun aige. Tá mé féin agus David Hanson tar éis iarraidh ar Waterways Ireland réamhobair a dhéanamh ar an Ulster Canal. Thar aon rud, ba bhreá liom sin a fheiceáil mar is tionscnamh iontach tábhachtach sin i gcomhthéacs Thuaidh-Theas. Tiocfaidh feabhas ar obair Waterways Ireland de réir mar a bheidh an eagraíocht ag teacht le chéile. Thuig muid sin nuair a cuireadh na forais tras-Teorann ar bun, Waterways Ireland go speisialta, cionn is go bhfuil uiscebhealaí ó Thuaidh agus ó Dheas ann agus go raibh muid ag cur dhá eagraíochtaí le chéile, go mbeadh impleachtaí i dtús ama ach tá siad á réiteach anois.
The Deputy asked a question regarding the ten drugs task forces and what plans they have. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, to give a short summary of the extra work involved, specifically the substantial increase in expenditure for which we are providing today.
The ten regional drugs task forces were established approximately two years ago. They received their first approval for funding this year, some of them just before the summer recess and others in September. Each was given an allocation based on plans that it had submitted. They were to identify needs and gaps in services in their own areas. The figure for which we have planned is €5 million, but since they received approval only in July or September, probably only approximately €1 million will be spent this year. Up to now, co-ordinators have mainly been health board staff wearing more than one hat temporarily. However, advertisements for permanent co-ordinators appeared four to six weeks ago, and they will be in place from very early in the new year. They have the funding and have submitted the plans, and now they will also have permanent co-ordinators and support. It will be full steam ahead on the part of the regional drugs task forces.
Does the Minister accept that it has taken considerably longer than anticipated? They were promised three years ago, and it has taken a significant period to get their operations in order. They are only now taking off.
I am not sure if it was quite three years ago, but I acknowledge that the process has been slow. Up to a point, that has done no harm, since they did not exist as groups. Some of the regions are fairly large, and their first task was to identify people involved in drugs services in their area and analyse provision, then reaching agreement regarding gaps and where improvements might be made. However, I accept that it has taken longer than we anticipated a few years ago. They were working on their plans for many months. That some co-ordinators were temporary and performing other health board jobs was not ideal. However, all those troubles should now be in the past. They have been given approval for their plans and are receiving permanent staff.
Fáiltím an tAire, an tAire Stáit, agus oifigigh na Ranna. Tá an chuid is mó de na ceisteanna maidir leis an scéim chosanta comhshaoil tuaithe freagartha faoin am seo. Conas a oibríonn árachas poiblí agus árachas fostóirí leis an scéim chosanta comhshaoil tuaithe, agus an bhfuil costas mór bainteach leis? Tá an caiteachas caipitil mínithe ag an Aire, agus tá súil aige go sroicfidh sé 2,500 duine. Tuigim a raibh ar intinn aige nuair a dúirt sé go raibh daoine féinfhostaithe i gceist anseo, ach an bhfuil sé ag féachaint ar aon slí chun an scéim seo a oscailt do dhaoine ar ioncam íseal nach feirmeoirí nó iascairí faoin tuath iad? Tá an dream sin ann freisin, cé go bhfáiltím go mór roimh an scéim seo, agus cé go bhuil an t-airgead á chaitheamh go maith de réir dealraimh.
Regarding the drugs task forces, I am concerned that it has taken some time for them to get up and running. Have they had the resources to research problems properly? An issue of grave concern to the Labour Party is cocaine and the great increase in its use throughout the country. Based on a recent Dáil answer I received from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, it would appear that in the first ten months of this year, approximately €110 million of cocaine reached the streets.
In the middle of November, a new leader was appointed to the Parti Québecois. He received 58% of the vote, compared with 31% for his nearest rival. It transpired in the course of the election campaign that he had been a repeat user of cocaine while holding several ministerial offices. That level of tolerance is extraordinary, and I am concerned that the same appears to be happening here and in Britain. There is a feeling that snorting cocaine at the weekend for so-called recreational purposes is all right, losing sight of the considerable sums flowing to very sinister people. In Dublin, we have had 18 murders since the beginning of the year.
I am not convinced the authorities have a proper fix on what is happening. I am not sure that the information available to the drugs task forces is all that it should be. The task forces should be putting much more emphasis on putting it to people that so-called recreational use of cocaine is not all right from a health or legal perspective, and especially not if it means financing extremely sinister and evil criminals.
Of the €5 million provided this year, it appears from what the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, has said that approximately €1 million will be used. How does it break down between administration and projects, and what sort of projects are there? Is the Minister convinced that this model is adequate for the current horrendous situation, especially with cocaine? Cannabis use is much more widespread and just as frightening.
The peace and reconciliation programme was delayed because the European Commission had not taken a decision. What was that all about? There must be ways of ensuring that programmes as important as this can be established. What projects does Waterways Ireland have in hand, other than accommodation ones? What waterways projects are in preparation that are due to start before the end of the year?
Fágfaidh mé ceist na ndrugaí leis an Aire Stáit. Cuireadh ceist faoi árachas don scéim sóisialta tuaithe. Chuir muid an t-airgead céanna ar fáil agus atá curtha ar fáil ag an community employment scheme. We provide funding in terms of materials, insurance and so on at the same level as the community employment scheme. The insurance and other costs of both schemes are more or less similar. However, our aim, which makes a great deal of sense, is to ensure that there is enough money for jobs that are material intensive. We will be doing even more of this next year, particularly because we have a large agenda to carry out in terms of recreational tourism, walkways, etc. Let us be honest and state that one of the mistakes of the past was that walkways were built but were never completed. Stiles and so on still need to be put in place and to do so costs money. We have a skilled labour force and we want to make the best use of it. Many of the groups said to us that if there was more money for materials, they could have done much more. The insurance, overheads and safety gear comes out of an allowance similar to that paid under community employment schemes.
Fishermen are eligible——
Does a percentage of the overall budget go on insurance? If the figure is not available, I would be happy to get it later.
I will obtain the figure for Deputy O'Shea. I think the insurance costs are similar to the insurance costs for community employment schemes. They include the usual employer's liability, public liability, etc. We can obtain details of the amount and the coverage. As with all insurance, there is obviously a limit on public liability. The usual caps apply. I do not have the details here but I will get them for the Deputy.
I wish to make absolutely clear that fishermen are eligible. It is easy to establish whether a person is a farmer because he or she will normally have a herd number. We have a similar approach with fishermen in that if a person owns a boat, has registered a boat or has a registered salmon fishing licence on a boat, it is clear that such a person will qualify. However, we have been trying to find a way to deal with people who have small currachs that are not registered. Some of these individuals might not even have a lobster licence. Third party proof from the State is necessary in some form. For example, we accept any of the licences that are issued as proof of qualification. Given that Arramara Teoranta is primarily owned by the State, we would also accept a certificate from it that a person sows seaweed.
People have suggested that a letter from a fish merchant to the effect that a person sold fish should be considered proof. However, that could be considered questionable as real proof. We are reviewing the scheme at present. We kept it very tight at the beginning because it is easier to widen a scheme rather than narrow it. It is difficult to claw back if abuses are occurring. We are nearly at the completion of the review process. We are looking at widening the scheme in a controlled way. I would not like to lead people into temptation and I would prefer if the proof were to derive from a State source. The fish assist scheme does for fishermen what farm assist does for farmers. If the Department of Social and Family Affairs states that a person is on fish assist, that is all the proof that is needed. One is in the loop, with third party proof provided by the State. It is important to stress this because some fishermen do not realise that they qualify.
I have been asked by non-farming unemployed people in rural areas to participate in the scheme. That is to miss the point of the scheme, namely, that it is aimed at self-employed people who are involved in the traditional industries of farming and fishing and whose incomes have fallen behind the average industrial wage. The scheme is for those people who are not making adequate livelihoods but who are still tied to self-employment and, for example, cannot easily commute 30 or 40 miles to work because they have farming obligations and so on. In return for very high quality work, they are given extra income to bring them back up to a satisfactory family income.
As far as I am concerned, those who are unemployed in the countryside are in a similar situation to those who are unemployed in urban areas. Therefore, the objective should be, through various labour force intervention mechanisms, to train these people and to get them into full-time employment. That is why we have community employment, social economy, job initiative and other schemes. By definition, in terms of social welfare, a farmer or fisherman on low income who is on farm assist or fish assist is not deemed to be unemployed and, therefore, does not have to be actively seeking work. There is a subtle difference. This scheme is drawn up on that basis.
In regard to the PEACE II programme and Waterways Ireland, sometimes we become obsessed with the spend year on year. Things happen within a calendar year over which we have no control. There was a delay in the formal launch of the extension by the EU until 3 June. That is just the way it happened and it has resulted in significant savings in the subheads this year. However, the target for both the ESF and the ERDF have been achieved for 2005. There is no loss of funding involved. It is just a question of redirecting funding to other areas within any calendar year.
If a project is somewhat slow in starting, one just moves on to something else and then returns to it later. It is just good money management. The one thing we should encourage is the reallocation of money. The Department has no control over how fast things happen and, accordingly, it is sensible to get the permission of the Department of Finance to put the money to some other good use instead of just yielding up a saving.
There has been much debate about drugs and everybody here would agree that more money is required under the drugs heading. Good work is being done in this area. We increased the outturn in 2004 but the Vote was increased considerably again in 2005 to €31 million. We are now going to increase it to €37 million. Since we are not losing any money from Europe, it is fair to say that the drugs Vote needs more money. Issues have been highlighted which the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, will address. When the money became available, we were right to put it into that particular heading and to see what we could do to deal with what, in general terms, is one of the greatest problems facing society and one at which we must keep working. There is no magic wand to solve the drugs problem. As stated earlier, this problem is beginning to affect sections of society one would not traditionally have associated with it. That is a significant challenge for the future.
In regard to Waterways Ireland, the major project in train at present is the building of the regional headquarters in Scariff and we are continuing with the work on the Royal Canal. A new bridge will be opening on the Royal Canal. Deputy Kelly will be well aware of the work that is going on in the opening of the Royal Canal. We are working ever closer to the Shannon. The objective is that, by 2008, we will be able to have boats going the entire way from the Shannon down the Royal Canal. If, therefore, one does not want to enter Dublin by way of Dublin 4, one can always come in from the north side. That is happening. There is also continuing investment in the maintenance programme. The headquarters building is to proceed but it will be in Northern Ireland and, therefore, issues in this regard will have to be dealt with north of the Border. It is of major importance that the building be completed.
Waterways Ireland has received some bad press. However, I have seen what is happening on the ground, particularly the magnificent work being done in the Leitrim-Cavan area. I regard this as one of the success stories, despite the difficulties in setting up the North-South body. I envisage a very bright future and, even as matters stand, fantastic developments are taking place in the region. Anybody who doubts this should spend a weekend in Leitrim and Cavan and travel from the Shannon to the Erne. If they do so, they will realise that Waterways Ireland has transformed a huge area of the countryside that was synonymous with decay and decline. A new life has been given to the area and any money we have allocated to Waterways Ireland for the purpose of economic regeneration has more than been repaid. We are dealing with issues that had to be dealt with and I am very upbeat about Waterways Ireland.
I examined the work being done in Leitrim and noted that much of it, including the building of shower blocks, toilets and other ancillary developments, in addition to marketing work and the publication of a list of restaurants along the waterways, serves as a model for those implementing the proposals pertaining to walkways. Not only is Waterways Ireland considering the narrow scene of the waterways but it is also considering the wider scene. In certain ways it is acting as a role model for other linear activities in which people become involved. I am very interested in this and I am always preaching to the people involved with walkways that they should consider Waterways Ireland's work, in terms of providing ancillary facilities and encouraging restaurants, and adopt a similar model. The walkways issue does not just involve building a walkway from A to B because one needs certain facilities at each destination. We must ensure that we provide integrated packages.
It might be worthwhile for members to examine the work of Waterways Ireland on the ground and to note its massive impact, particularly in the north west, which had very little before the work was done.
As the Minister said, resources and services under the drugs heading have increased greatly in recent years. The figure referred to only covers expenditure of approximately €1 million on regional drugs task forces this year. The Estimate increased by 18% last year and members will note the further increase the year. This is a reflection of the priority accorded to this area by the Government. The more one gives some groups, the more they want. Having said that, however, the regional packages are very much based on the same model used in respect of the local drugs task forces. This model is one of partnership whereby statutorily established authorities link in with local community representatives. It is not always a matter of providing knowledge and more information to local people because they are very much aware of matters on the ground. Their input, which often relates to the problems at the coalface, is very important in shaping the plans that are required.
The money being spent amounts to €37 million. The idea behind the plans, as approved under the relevant heading, is that when projects are in place for a year or two, they will be evaluated and mainstreamed such that money comes out of our Department. In addition to the €37 million, some €20 million is directed towards other projects that started at local drugs task force level, moved on and now fall under the budget headings of other Departments, including the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children. Therefore, some €55 million to €57 million has been allocated to projects that started at community level.
Approximately 600 people are now employed in drugs projects and projects under the young people's facilities and services fund. This is a great number and many of the people on the ground never envisaged that this number would be reached when the projects commenced eight or nine years ago. Some people are frustrated in that they probably thought or hoped a couple of million euro would deal with the problems. However, the resources being allocated are considerable.
All my Department is doing through the drugs strategy is trying to involve the different partners, obtain local responses and fill the gaps because the Department of Health and Children and Health Service Executive spend more than my Department on services. We are trying to achieve greater co-ordination between our Department, the Departments of Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Education and Science, in addition to other Departments with a role in the four or five pillars of the drugs strategy.
I accept that cocaine is the new problem. Not much has been spent to date on treatment for cocaine abuse because the users are not coming forward. I am sure there are some cocaine measures in the plans of the regional drugs task forces because they were asked to identify the needs on the ground.
While cocaine is a very dangerous drug and can lead to many health problems, people have been slow to come forward for treatment. They are probably slower than users of other drugs to identify that they have a problem. It is possible for a heroin addict to substitute heroin with methadone but there is no equivalent with which to treat cocaine abusers. All one can offer is counselling and behavioural therapy. Extra staff, including outreach workers and counsellors, have been employed by the Health Service Executive but most of the cocaine abusers with whom we are dealing are probably availing of treatment for other drug problems. Many of the recreational users of cocaine have not yet recognised that they have a problem. The lead-in time is longer in respect of cocaine than is the case with heroin. The side effects of heroin are much quicker to materialise than those of cocaine and the user's health deteriorates more rapidly. Health problems associated with cocaine creep up on a person. Cocaine is very dangerous in the case of people with respiratory and heart problems, yet users are slow to realise its effects. Considerable resources are being made available and the figures reflect that fact.
Much of the extra money that has been made available this year has been allocated for initiatives approved from one to three years ago. While the regional representatives have produced their plans, for which funding up to a total of €5 million has been approved, they have signalled that in order to implement their plans fully, they might require €12 million over the next couple of years. However, they do not need €12 million, or any such sum, this year or next year. It is a case of the relevant groups becoming established and filling the gaps as they see them. I am sure they will be given extra money over the next couple of years to continue to work and develop in this area. They need to work together and it is important that the resources be made available to them over a number of years.
I accept the Minister of State's point on input from local communities and the focus on drug addiction and health problems. However, I am concerned about the need to interface with the significant number of people who may not have developed any health problems per se and who may be unlikely to develop them for quite some time. They are providing a significant income stream for organised criminals of all kinds. The message must be imparted to them that if they are buying an illicit substance, they are, apart from anything else, funding organised crime. Without customers there is no business. There is a deficit in the context of getting the message across. This may be an educational issue. Co-ordination between the State agencies is improving but we need to do much more to co-ordinate the various services whether on the supply or the users’ side.
I have already told the Minister that at the peak of the crisis in the United States in the 1990s there were 25 million cocaine users and 2 million addicts. In Britain, cocaine costs less than it did and is more socially acceptable. That is why I told the anecdote about the experience in Quebec. We need action on the soft approach being taken in respect of the acceptability of the so-called recreational use of this illicit substance, which causes so many social problems.
The Minister of State tiptoed around the national drugs strategy. There is a drug problem in every part of Ireland and it is getting worse; it is even a crisis.
Is the Minister of State aware that the community representative on the national drugs strategy team has tendered his resignation? I refer to Fergus McCabe, who devoted his time during the past ten to 15 years to fighting drug abuse and the spread of drugs. Mr. McCabe blames the Minister of State for his resignation. He says the Minister of State and the Department are not working in partnership with existing structures in the delivery of emergency needs funds. The resources provided to that fund are inadequate to meet the needs of local communities. All the local communities throughout the country support this man's resignation and are unhappy. The Minister of State may say that more money is available but there must be a partnership between the Department and the agencies. The problem must be serious when a person of Mr. McCabe's stature resigns. The Minister of State may comment on that problem.
We have also tiptoed around the issue of Waterways Ireland. Serious accusations continue to circulate about this body. For example, it is said to have an anti-Northern ethos. Only 10% of staff originally seconded from Northern Ireland remain with Waterways Ireland compared to 90% of staff seconded from the South. Why have the people recruited from Northern Ireland backed out of the organisation? The consultancy firm, PSM, recently conducted a survey which concluded that staff morale is at an all-time low and that the organisation is completely dysfunctional. These are serious accusations. Have such reports been made and are they available or have I been given incorrect information? The managing director of the consultancy firm to which I refer, Mr. Brian McGeough, said at a Waterways Ireland staff conference on 26 and 27 October, that a climate of fear pervades the organisation at all levels. We see only the tip of the iceberg of what is happening in this organisation. I hope to have further opportunities to pursue this problem and obtain answers.
We will have other opportunities to discuss that question. We decided to devote an hour to this Estimate. There are five minutes left in the slot. I invite the Minister or Minister of State to reply.
Prevention is a very important pillar of the drugs strategy. We address school students through the social, personal and health education programme, which informs people of the danger to themselves and gives them the confidence and self-esteem to say no when faced with temptation in a crowd. We run an ongoing awareness campaign. It may not be broadcast on television every night but the last phase focused on cocaine, with advertisements in nightclubs, late night pubs and so on. We try to make people aware, not just of the health issues but also of the damage it might do to their performance levels and other matters. We attempt to reach individuals in ways that particularly refer to them.
We have not spent resources on the issue of criminality and the broader picture. We focus more on the damage to the person, to his or health and to other aspects of his or her lifestyle. We have been successful to a point, although I hate using that word because we will never break the heroin problem. Cocaine, however, is perceived as a type of "clean" and glamorous drug. That is how young people see it and we must fight that perception, which will be an uphill battle.
We are trying to improve co-ordination. Many Departments and agencies try to deal with matters from their points of view. The figures I cited, namely, the 18% increase in the Estimate last year and this Supplementary Estimate, speak for themselves.
The individual to whom Deputy McGinley referred has been involved in this area for years and his efforts, work and contribution are acknowledged and accepted. I will not analyse anyone's thinking but one could not expect any more resources to be invested in this area. We are making significant progress and working in partnership with everybody. That has been emphasised, time and again. People may decide to move on and have other priorities in their lives. We acknowledge and appreciate the effort made by community workers, many in a voluntary capacity, on the ground over several years. That input at local level is a key part of our policy and operations.
I will try to be brief but beg the indulgence of the Chairman. I acknowledge the Deputy's concern about Waterways Ireland but some people persistently rehash issues already dealt with and finalised under agreed procedures. The North-South bodies operate under the aegis of two Departments, ours and the Department of Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North. There is a good working relationship between them at ministerial and departmental level in dealing with Waterways Ireland. We co-operate fully and in perfect harmony with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, which has raised no issue about the North-South balance in Waterways Ireland.
The bulk of Waterways Ireland's operations are based in the South. In the North, there is the Upper Bann waterway. The Ulster Canal is not open. There is also the shared Shannon-Erne waterway. In the South, there are the Royal and Grand canals and the Shannon, as well as the Barrow waterway. If all of this is added up, one finds that the majority of the operation is in the South. To match this in the funding arrangement, Ireland provides 85% of moneys required. We also provide 100% of the capital funding for capped expenditure incurred in the South. We are also making a contribution to the building of the headquarters in Enniskillen. As it is not situated in this jurisdiction, it is a neutral venue and, therefore, we will make a capital contribution towards it. The Revised Estimate for 2005 is €10.5 million. The change is the reduction in the contribution to the Enniskillen headquarters. We spent all capital funding in the South this year.
The capital expenditure of the Northern Ireland authorities is approximately €1 million. Taking ballpark figures, 90% of the funds come from the Irish Government. If one considers the length of the Shannon and Barrow rivers, the Grand and the Royal canals and our section of the Shannon-Erne waterway, the majority of Irish waterways are in this jurisdiction. The majority of people working in Waterways Ireland started working on waterways in this jurisdiction. It would be strange if it was any other way, particularly when one considers the total area of waterways involved.
In any dealings I have had with North-South bodies, I have been more than accommodating with funding, etc., and ensuring that we dealt with our counterparts in the North in a fair way. The arrangement to part-fund the headquarters building was made willingly. If the Northern Ireland authorities can produce funding for the Ulster-Scots body, we will match it. The Department would not act as a barrier to increased funding. Our relations with our other counterparts in the North are excellent and harmonious. They feel that the tone of the comments does not reflect what the consultants actually said. It was how the comments were represented by the media. Certain people have fixed views about Waterways Ireland with which they continue to persist. It would not be the view shared by the parent Departments.
I thank members for their contributions to the debate on the Supplementary Estimates for the Department.
