Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 790: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department's response to national concerns in respect of illegal drugs; his strategy to respond effectively to the situation. [2338/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Problem drug use is a complex and difficult issue and our efforts to tackle it in Ireland must be seen in the context of the global nature of the problem. While progress is being made, problem drug use will, I believe, continue to challenge us in the coming years.

The continued implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 represents a comprehensive response by Government to problem drug use in our society. Overall, I believe that huge efforts are being made from the ground up to tackle the problem and the Government is committed to prioritising this issue. Indicative of this is the fact that the Government is spending over €200 million p.a. on measures aimed directly at problem drug users through the various drugs programmes being implemented by a range of Government Departments and agencies. This figure is exclusive of the many mainstream services that are availed of, in the normal way, by those affected by problem drug use. Commitments in the Programme for Government in this regard also underline the continuing priority being given by Government to the issue.

The specific achievements of my Department under the Strategy include the many projects that have been developed through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces, capital projects developed under the Premises Initiative Fund and preventative actions undertaken through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund. The process of developing a new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009–2016 has commenced in my Department. In this context, a Steering Group has been established with representatives from the key statutory, community and voluntary interests involved in tackling problem drug use. The work of the Group will continue over the coming months and I look forward to the development of a new Strategy that will further strengthen our overall response to the evolving drugs problem.

The changing nature of problem drug use, particularly the emergence of cocaine and polydrug use, present huge challenges for all of us. However, I am confident that, building on our experiences to date and with all sectors working together, we can meet these challenges.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 791: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the stage the national drugs strategy for the period post-2008 is currently at; if his Department will ask for submissions when compiling this document; when this document will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2354/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has commenced work on the development of the new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009 — 2016. A Steering Group has been established to oversee the development of the Strategy and it held its first meeting on 10 January. The Group includes representatives from the key statutory, community and voluntary interests involved in tackling problem drug use.

Over the coming months, the Group will be examining the progress and impact of the current Strategy, the degree to which it continues to be relevant and the operational effectiveness of the structures involved. They will also be looking at developments in regard to drug policies at EU and international levels. At the conclusion of the process, the Steering Group will submit recommendations to me on the shape and direction of the new Strategy.

I can assure the Deputy that a comprehensive public consultation process will be undertaken over the coming months as part of the work of developing the new Strategy. Indeed, I intend to be involved directly in many of the consultation meetings that are planned. I hope to be in a position to bring the new Strategy to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion by the end of this year.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 792: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the Ballyfermot local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2355/08]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 793: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the canal communities local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/08]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 794: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the Dublin 12 local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2357/08]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 795: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the south inner city local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2358/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 792 to 795, inclusive, together.

The information sought in respect of Ballyfermot, Canal Communities, Dublin 12 and South Inner City Local Drugs Task Forces, insofar as it relates to my Department, is outlined in the table. The figures provided include allocations under the Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund in the four areas, as well as the allocations for drugs initiatives made directly through the Local Drugs Task Force processes.