Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way the new national drugs strategy will incorporate and fulfil the objectives which are outlined in the new EU Drugs Action Plan for 2009 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2600/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department co-ordinated the Irish input into the development of the EU Drugs Action Plan 2009-2012 which was finalised late last year. Problem drug use is a global phenomenon and, in this context, it is important that we take an international perspective. Engagement at EU level is important and various Departments and agencies, as well as representatives of civil society in more recent times, are involved in this. Overall, I feel that we have a lot to offer, as well as a lot to gain, through the various fora involved.

A steering group, chaired by my Department is developing proposals on the new national drugs strategy covering the period 2009-16. As part of its terms of reference, the group will be examining developments in drugs policies and in dealing with problem drug use generally, at EU and international levels. I expect to receive its proposals and recommendations by the end of March and I will then consider them before seeking Government approval for the new strategy.

I envisage that the new strategy will incorporate a four year action plan for 2009-12, to coincide with the EU policy period, bringing us into line with the EU timeframe. I further envisage that it will fulfil the objectives of the EU action plan across its five main priorities areas, namely, co-ordination, demand reduction, supply reduction, international co-operation and information, research and evaluation.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I agree with what the Minister stated about streamlining in answer to the previous question. Perhaps today is the first time I have sat in this Chamber and heard people who want to sing from the same hymn sheet. The Minister made an important point, namely that we need to listen to the people on the ground because they can tell one whether a project is working.

With regard to the Minister of State's reply to this question, action plans are full of objectives and actions. However, they do not amount to a great deal. I do not believe the most recent national drugs strategy was a great success. I would state the opposite in that it has failed. The 5% cutbacks announced mean that while matters were improving slightly there is a danger that they are going backwards.

Recently, I read a report from the local gardaí showing that last year the amount of drugs seized increased from the previous amount of €167 million. The gardaí are doing their best and I agree with what the Commissioner stated yesterday about the necessity for more community policing. We must ensure that what is on paper is not only on paper and that the actions are put into place. This was a failure of the previous national drugs strategy and I hope it changes.

Due to the difficult economic times my fears turn to those who are homeless. Last week I read a report which stated that 80% of people who are homeless are prone to drug use. This is a major increase over the past five years.

Last week, we visited the Liberties Recycling centre where the Minister of State presented awards and saw the impact which the project is having on people's lives. What is the commitment, even with the cuts, to supporting projects such as this? It is the way we should consider helping communities.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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To refer to the particular project we visited, it shows the inter-agency approach and the effectiveness of a number of agencies where 40 out of 50 people recovering from addiction and in rehabilitation are learning a skill with the real prospect of going to employment.

Deputy Byrne mentioned the cuts and I will be as direct as I can. For the five year period from 2003 to 2008, the allocation in my Department doubled. Deputy Byrne is correct that in this year's budget the subhead for the drugs strategy was cut by 5%. However, internally we added a couple of million to this. Effectively, the allocation of funding to task forces in 2009 is the same as it was in 2008. I know Deputy Byrne will make the argument that programmes were developing which needed more money. However, in real terms the allocation in 2009 is what it was in 2008.

When we discuss a drugs strategy, and Liberties Recycling was mentioned, it is not only about funding allocated through the Department, our partners such as the HSE, FÁS and the Department of Education and Science are also involved. In this regard approximately €230 million was spent in 2008 on a national strategy. Our partners in various Departments are finalising their spending for the current year in line with output. We are committed to preserving front line services. We will make cuts wherever we can elsewhere but my aim is to ensure front line services are preserved at all times.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Last week, I met a group of parents of children availing of methadone services. They asked me what will be in the national drugs strategy to help their children to be weaned off the drug rather than being left on it for another five or six years. At present, they are caught in a vicious circle.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Depending on who one speaks to there are 8,000 or 9,000 people on methadone treatments of one type or another. In recent weeks I met with the HSE to examine this issue. I am no different from the Deputy in that I meet families of people on methadone and I am concerned that people are on methadone for too long. For some people there might be no alternative but I am not satisfied that we have an aggressive enough methadone reduction programme.