Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the breakdown on funding under the Drugs Initiative/Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund in terms of capital expenditure; non-capital expenditure and the new programmes or initiatives to be funded. [35124/07]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The following table outlines the expected 2007 expenditure under the Drugs Initiative/ Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. 2007 Expected ExpenditureDrugs Initiative/ Young People's Facilities and Services Fund

A total allocation of €64.332m has been provided in my Department's Estimates for drugs expenditure in 2008, of which €9m has been allocated to capital projects. This represents an increase of 29% on the corresponding figure for 2007, which is a huge increase by any standards and, particularly, in the context of allocations generally for the coming year. The increased allocation will facilitate increased activity under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund – including further progress towards the full implementation of the action plans of the Regional Drugs Task Forces; the initiation of the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation in so far as they pertain to my Department; the expansion of the Fund to further towns, mainly in Leinster, and increased capital funding for drug related projects and facilities for young people. The 2008 allocation will also facilitate further initiatives in tackling cocaine in line with the recommendations of the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs "An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland". Overall, I am satisfied that the significant funding available to me will facilitate accelerated progress in the coming year.