John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I agree with many of the Deputy's comments. However, it is important to clarify. In 2008, the funding available to the task forces was €34.776 million. This year, the figure is €34.6 million, a slight reduction. Task forces must make choices between projects, but it is also worth noting that the total spend including statutory agencies has increased significantly over the years.

It is appropriate that we constantly evaluate and monitor what we are supporting to ensure that we provide maximum benefits. In some cases, programmes are being run where statutory agencies have neglected to or have not provided services. We must be able to change for when statutory agencies start dealing with the issue.

The Deputy mentioned Aiséirí in the voluntary sector. She is correct in that, around the country, many drugs and alcohol rehabilitation services are run by the voluntary sector. We have appointed a national rehabilitation co-ordinator in the time since I have assumed my position. This is important because the provision of rehabilitation services by statutory agencies and voluntary and community bodies had been fragmented. We need to bring them together in a co-ordinated way, which is what we are doing now.

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