Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the cocaine treatment pilot projects announced earlier in 2005 are fully operational; if he will commit to increasing the number and range of such projects nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36863/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, earlier this year I launched four pilot cocaine treatment projects to examine different methods of treatment for cocaine use, as well as a training initiative focusing on front-line workers. Funding of almost €400,000 was provided by me to support the pilot treatment projects and the training programme.

The four projects deal with the following cohorts of cocaine users: intravenous cocaine users; poly-drug users using cocaine; problematic intranasal cocaine users; and problematic female cocaine users. The pilot treatment projects are now all operational.

In regard to the training initiative, the first two levels have been completed by approximately 160 front-line personnel from various backgrounds and level 3, final part, has commenced in the last two weeks.

Goodbody Economic Consultants Ltd have been engaged to conduct an evaluation of the pilot projects and this work has commenced. It is expected that a preliminary report will be available early in 2006. The main thrust of the evaluation will be to analyse, in a systematic manner, what is being achieved by the projects and to report the findings of the projects and the positive and negative lessons to be learned as a result. The evaluation will focus particularly on the structures, effectiveness, efficiency and value for money of the projects. Following receipt of the final evaluation I will be a position to decide on the next steps in this regard.