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

Question 72: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to increase the amount of funding from his Department by way of support to community based groups involved in combating the drugs problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22794/06]

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

The current year's allocation to my Department for expenditure on Drugs Initiatives and the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund is €43m which represents a substantial 37% increase on the 2005 initial allocation and an increase of 61% on the 2004 figure. These figures emphasise that tackling the drug problem is a key Government priority and that it will remain so.

Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) are well established and are now implementing the second round of Action Plans at an annual cost in excess of €16m. Since 1997, nearly €125m has been allocated to support this work across the 14 LDTF areas. Over 400 community-based projects have been established, employing more than 300 staff, and delivering services such as advice and support for drug misusers and their families, community drug teams offering treatment, outreach and crisis intervention services and drug training programmes for community groups.

Twelve of the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces are located in Dublin, with the others in Bray and Cork. Ten Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) have been established in the areas not covered by Local Drugs Task Forces. Thus a Drugs Task Force now services all parts of the country with consequential support for community based groups. The Action Plans drawn up by the RDTFs have been approved and funding has been allocated to facilitate their implementation.

Additionally, under the Emerging Needs Fund, which was devised to provide a flexible and timely response to evolving needs in regard to drug misuse in Local Drugs Task Force areas, I recently announced the approval of €2.27m for 39 projects, bringing the total approved to date from this Fund to just over €3.1m.

The Young People's Facilities and Services Fund was established in 1998 to assist the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists, or has the potential to develop. I was pleased to announce further allocations of €1.5m for eight projects this week under the Fund. This announcement of projects in Waterford, Dún Laoghaire area, Blanchardstown and Tallaght brings the total commitment from the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund to over €103m since its establishment.

Overall I am satisfied that the implementation of the LDTF and RDTF Action Plans, along with the range of additional funding initiatives available, represents a comprehensive range of support to community based groups involved in combating the problems of drugs misuse.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 73: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the comprehensive drugs prevalence survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22751/06]

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

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs and the Drug and Alcohol Information and Research Unit (Northern Ireland) commissioned the first Drug Prevalence Survey in 2002/2003, the purpose of which was to establish the population prevalence of drug use on the island of Ireland. This study surveyed over 8,000 people aged 15-64 in Ireland and Northern Ireland between October 2002 and April 2003 and examined the prevalence of a number of drugs.

That work provided us for the first time with robust statistical information on the prevalence of drug use in the general population. It covered any lifetime use of drugs by respondents, as well as more recent use in the previous year and month. Tenders for the carrying out of the second Drug Prevalence Survey have been received this week and it is hoped that a contract will be placed in the coming weeks.

It is intended that the Drug Prevalence Study fieldwork will be carried out from late 2006 to mid 2007. Preliminary analysis will be done in the months following, with a first report of national prevalence figures and trends expected in late 2007.