Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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There is a substantial increase in the overall budget for 2025. It is going to be the biggest budget ever in real terms. I will get the correct figure for the Deputy but the increase in total is the biggest figure. For instance, the total increase in funding is €40.5 million for the coming year. There is a €10.1 million increase for pay awards agreements. Some €5 million has been allocated for homeless services, including Housing First. The total additional funding in this particular area is €40.5 million. Some €1.5 million is being allocated for the drug and alcohol task force. This funding will support the co-ordination role of the 24 drug and alcohol task forces across the country, including the increased demand for services, especially cocaine use services. Therefore, there is an increase in the budget and it is substantial in real terms.