Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [7196/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding for thirty eight projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas, including the two projects specifically referred to by Deputy McGrath. These projects, through a variety of programmes and activities, seek, in the main, to encourage young people not to engage in drug-taking. My Department originally took on responsibility for funding these projects through a mainstreaming process, whereby projects on interim funding were assigned to a number of departments and State agencies. Thirty five of the projects are administered by the three VECs in Dublin City, Dublin County and in Dún Laoghaire, while the remaining three projects are funded directly by my Department. Arising from Budget 2010, it was decided that funding for these projects was to be reduced from €3,643,000 in 2009 to €2,461,000 in 2010 and to cease from 2011. I acknowledge the difficulties arising for projects and my Department is currently reviewing the implications of this decision for the individual projects concerned. The review, which involves a detailed examination of all 38 projects, is not as yet completed.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will give positive consideration to a submission made to the site acquisition and property management section of his Department by the local drugs task force relative to the buildings and site once occupied by a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [7199/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise that a request from the local drugs task force has been received by the Department in relation to the property referred to by the Deputy. This request is currently being considered by the Department. Any decision in relation to this property will in the first instance be in the context of considering the potential future educational use of the property.