Dáil Éireann - Volume 563 - 11 March, 2003

Written Answers - SWAN Project.

Mr. O'Connor Mr. O'Connor

  556. Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the excellent work being achieved by SWAN, the family support organisation for families touched by drugs in the Tallaght region, Dublin 24; if his attention has further been drawn to the group's need for funds particularly in respect of staff; if this vital service will be enabled to continue and develop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7051/03]

Mr. N. Ahern Mr. N. Ahern

354

  Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern): As the Deputy is aware my Department has responsibility for overseeing the work of the local drugs task force, LDTFs, which are based in 14 areas of high drug misuse in Dublin, Cork and Bray. The LDTFs are made up of representatives from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors and each area develops a local action plan. [354] The selection of projects, and the funding allocated, is based on the task force's prioritisation of the identified needs within its area and the ability of the proposed projects to meet those needs. Most of the LDTFs are currently implementing their second round plans and to date, over €14 million has been allocated to implement these plans.

  As regards the SWAN project, this group has been allocated funding of €19,046 under the second round plan of the Tallaght LDTF. To date, projects under both of the task force plans for Tallaght, including mainstreamed projects, have been allocated over €4 million. In addition, just over €1.4 million has been allocated to drugs projects in the area under the premises initiative and approximately €2.8 million has been allocated to Tallaght under the young peoples facilities and services fund.

Dáil Éireann 563 Written Answers SWAN Project.

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