Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 562: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the budget for each local and regional drugs task force over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39651/10]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 563: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of staff and salary grades of staff employed by each local and regional drugs task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39652/10]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 564: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the way the membership of each drugs task force is determined; how often it is reviewed or changed; the duration of membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39653/10]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 565: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the accounting and reporting mechanisms attached to each local and regional drugs task force; the way progress is measured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39654/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 562 to 565, inclusive, together.

In excess of €31 million is being made available to fund the activities of the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces in 2010. The table at Appendix 1 details the expenditure by the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) for 2006-09 inclusive, as well as the 2010 allocations.

Sustained incremental funding up to 2008 facilitated, amongst others, the strengthening of existing projects in the LDTF areas, the rolling out of projects and initiatives in the RDTF areas, the introduction of new initiatives and responses to address cocaine usage, measures to support rehabilitation and the ongoing investment in capital projects. These are recognised by Government as key areas to support communities to address the harm caused by problem drugs use and to deliver meaningful solutions.

In the main, each Drugs Task Force (DTF) has a Co-ordinator, a Development Worker and an Administrator. Detailed information concerning on the breakdown of staff and salary scales is currently being collated and I will arrange to send the information requested directly to the Deputy.

Membership is comprised of representation from Departments and statutory agencies, the voluntary sector, the community sector and elected representatives. Representatives of Departments and statutory agencies are nominated by their employer, with community sector representatives nominated by local Partnerships and community groups. Voluntary sector representatives are nominated following consultation between the DTF and the voluntary drug treatment sector. Elected representatives are nominated through the relevant local authority, though DTFs may agree alternative arrangements if they wish. Generally, tenure should be such as to ensure continuity and consistency in the approach of the DTF in responding to the drug problem in its area.

Funding and accounting for DTF projects is channelled through Channels of Funding, including HSE, FÁS, Local Authorities and VECs. Liaison members of the Drugs Advisory Group, which meets monthly, provide a liaison, reporting and representational role between the Task Forces and the Office of the Minister for Drugs. It is also intended that, starting in 2011, Drugs Task Forces will additionally report on a six-monthly basis to the Office of the Minister for Drugs on their activities, including their broader strategic and co-ordination work.