Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

While overall the Department received a 13% cut in funding in the budget, some areas have been especially targeted. Does the Minister accept there has been a 94% cut in the CLÁR programme, which provides funding for infrastructure in disadvantaged areas, and that the programme has been more or less abolished? Is it the Minister's intention to withdraw the programme entirely? The budget allocation of €500,000 does not represent a credible plan.

The Minister is responsible for Cabinet co-ordination of the drugs strategy. Will the Minister provide details of the cuts to drug funding made in all Departments? Current spending is down 7%. I realise the Minister stated this reduction is less for front line services but I am concerned that this amounts to juggling with figures. What was the allocation under the national drugs strategy last year? What will this figure be in 2011? Is the Minister concerned with the current funding cut-----

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