Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 783: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will explain the reason for the halving of the budgetary provision for 2010 of an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 24; his views on whether this cut is likely to terminate a most worthwhile project; the alternatives that are available to the person with valuable accumulated experience to keep this organisation in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13039/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funds for over thirty projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas, including the project specifically referred to by the Deputy. In the context of the budget for 2010 and the difficult fiscal climate, 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. While the overall reduction in the 2010 allocation is 32%, the percentage reduction for projects funded through County Dublin VEC varied, to allow for the retention of a minimum of one employee per project.

My Department is currently reviewing the implications of the budget decisions relating to funding allocations for all of these projects. A key aspect of the review is to determine whether my Department is the appropriate location for these projects or whether funding could more appropriately be channelled through another Department or agency. The Department will submit recommendations for my consideration based on the review which, it is anticipated, will be completed shortly.