Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for Health when he expects that the Drugs Programme Unit will sanction the second round of Drugs Task Force funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21012/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Health when the Local Drugs Task Force interim funded projects in the Blanchardstown, South Inner City, Ballyfermot and Canals LDTFs will receive their 2011 funding. [21271/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 515 together.

In excess of €30 million has been allocated to Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces in 2011 to support community based drugs initiatives. Funding for Drugs Task Force projects is channelled through designated agencies including the HSE, FÁS, certain Local Authorities and VECs. Funding is released by the Department of Health to designated agencies in two instalments, generally in January and July. The first instalment, which amounted to some €15 million, issued earlier this year. The Department is in the process of releasing the second instalment in respect of all but one of the Drugs Task Forces, and is in contact with that Task Force in relation to outstanding matters. Approval has been given to the release of the second instalment in respect of the four Task Forces mentioned by Deputy Ó Snodaigh.