203. Mr. Penrose  asked the Minister for Education and Science   if, in view of the fact that a significant number of children are at risk from drug misuse here, the reason the dedicated service for the walk tall programme is not widely available to schools outside the LDTFAs; the steps she will take to ensure this service is expanded to areas outside Dublin and Cork. [3674/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin): The mid-term review of the national drugs strategy recommended that the services provided to schools in local drugs task force areas by the Walk Tall support service should be expanded to other areas of disadvantage. In light of this recommendation, the Walk Tall support service is currently finalising proposals for the expansion of it services. When these proposals have been received, they will be examined by the Department.