121. Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount which has been spent in tackling drug abuse by each regional drug task forces since their establishment. [7534/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern): Ten regional drugs task forces, RDTFs, have been established covering all parts of the country that are not already serviced by one of the 14 local drugs task forces. The RDTFs work in a partnership manner, similar to the local drugs task forces, and are made up of nominees from State agencies working in the region, the community and voluntary sectors and elected public representatives. Following the assessment of regional plans submitted by the RDTFs, approvals were granted in September 2005 and allocations totalling just under €5 million on an annual basis, exclusive of a contribution towards administrative costs, were made to the ten regional drugs task forces. Work on the implementation of the projects identified in these plans then commenced. To date a total of €659,120 has been drawn down by the RDTFs. Details of the allocations and spend of the ten RDTFs are set as follows. I am satisfied with the rate of progress being made by the RDTFs so far and I expect that the full €5 million allocated will be expended this year.

Vol. 615 No. 3 Written Answers Thursday, 23 February 2006