Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

I agree with what the Minister stated about streamlining in answer to the previous question. Perhaps today is the first time I have sat in this Chamber and heard people who want to sing from the same hymn sheet. The Minister made an important point, namely that we need to listen to the people on the ground because they can tell one whether a project is working.

With regard to the Minister of State's reply to this question, action plans are full of objectives and actions. However, they do not amount to a great deal. I do not believe the most recent national drugs strategy was a great success. I would state the opposite in that it has failed. The 5% cutbacks announced mean that while matters were improving slightly there is a danger that they are going backwards.

Recently, I read a report from the local gardaí showing that last year the amount of drugs seized increased from the previous amount of €167 million. The gardaí are doing their best and I agree with what the Commissioner stated yesterday about the necessity for more community policing. We must ensure that what is on paper is not only on paper and that the actions are put into place. This was a failure of the previous national drugs strategy and I hope it changes.

Due to the difficult economic times my fears turn to those who are homeless. Last week I read a report which stated that 80% of people who are homeless are prone to drug use. This is a major increase over the past five years.

Last week, we visited the Liberties Recycling centre where the Minister of State presented awards and saw the impact which the project is having on people's lives. What is the commitment, even with the cuts, to supporting projects such as this? It is the way we should consider helping communities.

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