Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

518. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local drugs task forces have unofficially been told to expect a cut in the order of 7% to their funding in 2014; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in Blanchardstown, this would mean a reduction in methadone detox beds in Coolmine Treatment Centre of 16 for 2014, or a reduction of 12 places on Coolmine’s residential rehabilitation programme; his views on whether this will impact on the Government's goal of 100% of problem drug users accessing treatment within one month as itemised in the key performance indicators of the National Drugs Strategy 2008-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41809/13]

Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

519. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that if local drugs task forces receive a 7% cut, there are fears that the Blanchardstown drug prevention education project, which works with young persons most at risk of drugs use and which is funded by the Blanchardstown drugs and alcohol task force, may be unable to function for more than 3.5 days per week in 2014 if the cuts are implemented; if his attention has been drawn to the impact this will have on local young persons in Blanchardstown using the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41810/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 519 together.

In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. Funding in 2014 for community drugs initiatives will be determined in the context of the Estimates process, taking into account the need to protect front line service provision as far as possible.