Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 124: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding he has provided in 2005 and to date in 2006 to groups involved in combating drug abuse; the extent to which this is in accord with the National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18174/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. This incorporates the work of the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. Through these initiatives a broad range of community and voluntary groups are funded to tackle drug misuse.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that €43m has been allocated to my Department for the Drugs Initiative/Young People's Facilities and Services Fund in 2006. This represents an increase of 27% on the €33.97m expended in 2005. The draw down figure on the 2006 allocation to date is €16.1m.

The significant increase in funding for 2006 will allow us to consolidate and build on previous investment and continue to tackle the drug problem in a comprehensive way.