I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 361 to 363, inclusive, together.
The revised funding allocations for the period July to December 2009, taking account of the Supplementary Budget in April, have now been advised to all Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) and to seven of the Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs). Approval was conditional on the requisite information being furnished by them and outstanding material is still awaited from 3 RDTFs. My officials are working closely with the Task Forces concerned and I would expect their allocations to be finalised in the coming days.
In 2009, €32.5m in current funding is being provided to the 24 Task Forces — €22.3m to the Locals and €10.2m to the Regionals. I want to assure the Deputies that my officials have been working closely with the Task Forces in recent weeks on finalising their funding allocations.
As I have pointed out previously, the challenges posed by the reduction in funding arising from the reduced budget allocations means that some schemes will be affected. However, I believe that if properly managed, this may also lead to improved efficiencies in services and foster better interagency working to the benefit of all.
In relation to funding for 2010, the Deputies will appreciate that this is a matter for the annual Estimates process.