Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 908: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the current round of emerging needs fund as per the criteria agreed in early 2005 will be implemented; if a realistic budget will continue to be made available for the delivery of related services; if he will ensure that the NDS and LDTFs will re-embark on a clear strategic planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40327/05]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 909: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the concern expressed by those involved in the implementation of the national drugs strategy, he plans to increase the emerging needs funds and to provide a clear mandate, matched by resources, to persons implementing the strategy to embark on strategic planning which would allow an integrated and co-ordinated response to the drugs crisis. [1044/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 908 and 909 together.

As I outlined in my reply to Question No. 247 on 14 December 2005, the emerging needs fund was devised to address an evolving situation in regard to the misuse of drugs on a flexible basis and in a timely manner. To date I have allocated almost €850,000 under the fund to 14 projects. I hope to be in a position to make further allocations in the near future, following full consideration by me of the final budgetary allocations for 2006. I look forward to successful outcomes from the initiatives that will be allocated monies under this fund.

With regard to the question of the local drugs task forces, LDTFs, embarking on a further process of strategic planning, they are, for the most part, implementing their second round of action plans, with full implementation of some of the plans being achieved in the last year. Before considering the development of further strategies, it is my intention to have interim projects funded under this second round evaluated with a view to making decisions on the mainstreaming of projects where appropriate. I am arranging for this process to be initiated.