Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I believe we are now six years into the north east inner city task force following the Mulvey report and €38 million has been spent. Where is the record of achievement? Deputy McDonald asked for a review. I would like a review. The Taoiseach may remember that the reason the north east inner city task force was initiated to combat drug related crime, poverty and dereliction in the area. Six years later and with €38 million spent, what can be pointed to as a record of achievement? Young people are still being taken into the drugs industry - and it is an industry - not only in the north inner city but throughout Dublin. Dereliction remains a problem in the area. The boundaries are rather obscure. Last year, we had a conversation about O'Connell Street, which does not come under the north inner city committee's remit, which seems strange. Hardwicke Street, an area just outside the catchment, does not receive the same level of funding as the north inner city task force. The independence of the chair is an issue of utmost importance. There was an expectation that the Taoiseach would announce a process for the selection of a chair, in consultation with the community.

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