Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for funding received under the RDTF; the number successful; the extent to which those unsuccessful are expected to receive funding in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3490/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) are charged with researching, developing, implementing and monitoring a co-ordinated response to illicit drug use in their areas. Each of the ten RDTFs produced strategic plans for their respective regions and they have now begun the process of implementing specific actions identified in those plans.

In 2006, approximately €4.175m was expended by the RDTFs on around 90 projects. By and large, this expenditure was in relation to specific initiatives identified in their strategic plans, though they also have a small grants fund of €30,000 each available to them. It is envisaged that funding will be increased on an incremental basis to achieve the full roll-out of the RDTF plans, currently estimated to cost €14.1m on an annual basis.

Overall, significant progress was made by the RDTFs in the implementation of their strategic plans in 2006. I am confident that they will continue to build on this to achieve accelerated progress, and increased impact, over the coming year.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for funding received under the RDTF; the number successful; the extent to which those unsuccessful are expected to receive funding in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3491/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) are charged with researching, developing, implementing and monitoring a co-ordinated response to illicit drug use in their areas. Each of the ten RDTFs produced strategic plans for their respective regions and they have now begun the process of implementing specific actions identified in those plans.

In 2006, approximately €4.175m was expended by the RDTFs on around 90 projects. By and large, this expenditure was in relation to specific initiatives identified in their strategic plans, though they also have a small grants fund of €30,000 each available to them. It is envisaged that funding will be increased on an incremental basis to achieve the full roll-out of the RDTF plans, currently estimated to cost €14.1m on an annual basis.

Overall, significant progress was made by the RDTFs in the implementation of their strategic plans in 2006. I am confident that they will continue to build on this to achieve accelerated progress, and increased impact, over the coming year.