Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 382: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the budget allocations for his Department to tackle the drugs problem for 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7659/10]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The budget allocation for each of the years in question for drugs initiatives supported by my Department is as follows:

The reduced allocation in 2009 reflects the fact with effect from 1st January that year, responsibility and funding for the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund transferred to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Drugs Strategy is based on a co-ordinated approach across many Government Departments and Agencies and my Department's allocation is part of a much bigger investment programme in drugs services by these other bodies.

In 2009, it was estimated that total expenditure on drugs programmes was over €275m. With reductions in the level of public spending generally, it is likely that the overall spend in the drugs area in 2010 will be marginally down on the 2009 level. However, through my co-ordination role across the Strategy, I am working to ensure that the optimum use is made of the available resources, which will again be substantial. As part of this, every effort will be made to protect front-line services to the greatest extent possible.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the post of Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy was first created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7671/10]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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In July 1997, Mr Chris Flood, T.D., was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Tourism and Trade with special responsibility for Local Development. He was also given responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy Team.