Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cutbacks in funding where they occur for each of the services and projects established in the State and community sectors to combat substance abuse; the way the budget 2009 allocation compares to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39222/08]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 440: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in respect of the application of budgetary cuts to drugs services, he will confirm the decision making process which will apply; and if the national drugs strategy team or the local drugs task force will identify the areas in which cuts will take place. [39747/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 440 together.

In 2008, the budget for community-based initiatives in the Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas, including funding for new cocaine and rehabilitation measures introduced during the year, amounts to nearly €34.8m. While the funding available for 2009 has not yet been finalised, I expect the comparable figure for next year to be in the region of €34.4m.

In this context, the Deputy should note that of the foregoing, funding for projects in Drug Task Forces action plans in 2009 will be maintained at 2008 levels i.e. €32m. Once the funding for next year is finalised, it will be a matter for the Drugs Task Forces to identify measures to enable them to work within their allocated budgets.