Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012
115. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the steps being taken to ensure the continued viability of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41032/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe projects concerned operated as mainstreamed drugs projects under my Department’s Housing programme. Following significant reductions in the funding available to support these projects in 2012 my Department, exceptionally, provided pro rata funding to support the projects until end June 2012 only.
Following a consultation process, Dublin City Council identified interim funding of €20,000 to assist in supporting the projects for a period during the second half of 2012 , subject to a number of conditions. The Council has advised that this funding represents a once-off contribution and is assisting in allowing the projects to continue while the report on the review of the structures that underpin the strategy at local, regional and national level is finalised. It is understood that this report, which is expected very shortly, will consider how current funding structures can be improved or streamlined, particularly with regard to local and regional drugs task forces.
The provision of interim funding by Dublin City Council has also allowed the projects additional time to explore alternative funding mechanisms and to identify resources to deliver on the overall objectives of the projects beyond 2012, including through alternative service delivery models.
The funding of Local Drugs Task Force projects is the responsibility of the Department of Health and my Department has no function in that regard.
