Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. We can all agree that the task forces have provided, in a very challenging drug environment, crucial support to communities with complex needs. The drug scene changes several times a year. The task forces are a great partnership involving the community, the voluntary sector, the statutory authorities and public representatives. However, the cumulative reductions made in the austerity budgets from 2008 to 2014 were significant. The task force projects experienced a 20% funding reduction and local youth services were affected by a 31% reduction. That meant cuts in respect of crucial interventions and key services and support for such services. We have particular difficulties in the constituency I represent. There is blatant drug dealing on the streets and high levels of intimidation, yet so much really good work goes on. The chairs and co-ordinators provided a pre-budget submission just a couple of months ago. They sought restoration of previous funding levels in order to enable them to do the work. Returning project funding to 2008 levels would cost €5 million. The submission also sought €10 million from the emerging needs fund for the areas most affected. We will see what will happen with the Minister of State's review, but I hope those requests can be taken on board.

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