Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 649: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the Drug Treatment Court and the programme on an annual basis since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1567/09]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 682: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the follow-up support and data which is collected relating to post-drug court programme recidivism; the cost of running the Drug Treatment Court on an annual basis since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1680/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 649 and 682 together.

The Drug Treatment Court, which originally operated on a pilot basis in north inner city Dublin, has been placed on a permanent footing and extended to the Dublin 7 area. The court, which uses a multidisciplinary approach, involves a range of Departments and agencies that are charged with dealing with various aspects of the problem of drug misuse. The court operates with the assistance of a team which includes a probation and welfare officer, an addiction nurse, a Garda liaison officer, an education and training representative and counsellors. The court's mission is to provide supervised treatment, education and rehabilitation for offenders with drug problems as an alternative to prison.

The programme lasts for a minimum of 12 to 18 months. A successful participant will demonstrate a willingness to become free of non-prescribed drugs and make a permanent lifestyle change. Assessments to establish suitability for inclusion on the programme take ten weeks, on average. The main incentive for participants is the knowledge that outstanding charges will be struck out if the participant successfully completes the programme and does not reoffend in the 12 months following graduation. The programme operates on a points system designed to encourage the participants towards successful completion of the programme.

Follow-up support for participants includes 12 months post-graduation supervision. There is no formal procedure in place to monitor offences beyond that period. However, there are indications that participation in the programme is linked to a decrease in criminal activity. My Department is examining the operation of the court having regard to the Exchequer position. Officials are looking at best practice elsewhere to see how the court's throughput levels might be increased. It is intended to conclude this examination as soon as possible. I will shortly be in contact with the Deputy with the up-to-date costs of the programme.