John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I will first address the alcohol issue as it has provoked a great deal of discussion. The reality is that alcohol and drug use are closely linked. In terms of the services provided by the statutory agencies, the HSE, clinics and so forth and education programmes, many of them already focus on drug and alcohol use. The exact relationship between the two and how it will be defined in the new strategy has not been clearly identified because the process is not complete. Regardless of that process and the end strategy, there will be a recognition of the role both substances play and there will be syngeries between how we deal with them as that process will have to reflect the treatments currently being provided.

Regarding the budgetary position, there was a reduction in the allocation in this respect under this year's budget. Our Department prioritised the drugs budget. We transferred funds from other subheadings because we recognise the importance of the drugs budget. The allocation of funding to the community initiatives through the task forces in 2009 will be the same as that allocated to them in 2008. That will present difficulties for task forces. I have met many of the chairpersons and co-ordinators and each task force should strategically identify the most important front line services and preserve them in each local area. The funding allocation for 2009 has been notified to them and it will the same as the allocation for 2008.

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