John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I disagree that we referred to 2003 except to show the increase over a five year period. I will be specific because the Deputy mentioned drugs task forces and funding cuts. As the Deputy is well aware, there is a recession in this country, Britain, the eurozone, the US and Japan. Consequently, the funding available to my Department is less this year than it was last year. Bearing this in mind, I stand over my commitment, although many do not wish to recognise it. I committed to maintain and protect front line services. While there is a reduction of 5% in the subhead in my Vote, the drugs task forces will receive the same level of funding in 2009 as they did in 2008. At a time when most Departments and bodies are facing cuts, this is a significant aim.

The drugs task forces must work together, examine new methods, achieve greater efficiencies and consider sharing services, be they outreach workers or project counsellors, to ensure that their programmes maximise outcomes for the communities we serve. However, it is not true to say that task forces will get less money next year than they got this year. They will get precisely the same funding in 2009 as they got in 2008 and they have been so informed.

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