Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will offer extra funding to voluntary or community groups involved in combating drug abuse in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47710/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will offer extra funding to voluntary or community groups involved in combating drug abuse in County Kildare in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47711/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the majority of expenditure allocated to voluntary and community groups for drugs initiatives through my Department, is channelled through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. Overall, there will be a reduction of 11% in the funding available for drugs programmes in 2010 through my Department's Vote. In excess of €31m is being made available to fund the activities of the Drugs Task Forces next year of which €21.06m is being allocated to the Local Drugs Task Forces and €10m to the Regional ones.

Funding in relation to voluntary and community groups for drug initiatives in Co Kildare is made through the South Western Regional Drug Task Force (SWRDTF). The SWRDTF has been advised of their allocation for 2010 and my Department is awaiting their funding proposals for 2010 which is due back on the 16th December. Overall, I am satisfied that the funding being provided in 2010 by my Department will continue to facilitate the delivery of valuable voluntary and community based initiatives to help address problem drug use.