Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

The Minister said he will adhere to the €1 million figure for emerging needs. This is not anywhere near the figure that is required by the 57 proposals so far, only five of which have been dealt with, for emerging needs. That reflects the crisis there is with drugs. It also does not take into account the proposals for emerging needs which were encouraged by the Department. Those proposals will arrive in the Minister's office tomorrow, given that the deadline is November.

Is the Minister of State aware that the figure announced by his colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, a fortnight ago in the Estimates is not sufficient to deal with the demands of the local or regional drugs task forces? In fact, it is at least €8 million short of current demands. When account is taken of the €5 million required for emerging needs projects or the full operation of the regional drugs task force as promised or the eight projects under the young people's funds or the budget required for the national advisory committee on drugs, the money for anti-drugs and drugs rehabilitation and awareness programmes will be €15 million short. Does the Minister believe such a shortfall is contrary to his brother, the Taoiseach's, commitment to the local drugs task forces in October when he spoke to them at the Vital Connections Conference at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham? The Taoiseach said: "...all of us have to be prepared to continue to commit time, energy and resources to the problem going forward". He concluded by saying: "Tackling the drug problem is, and will continue to be, a key priority for Government". Does the Minister of State agree that the paltry sum being suggested is not tackling this matter as a key priority for the Government?

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