351 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to assist community organisations involved in the fight against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46435/10]

358 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has assisted or proposes to continue to assist various groups in County Kildare involved in combating drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46443/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 358 together.

As has been previously outlined to the Deputy, the majority of expenditure allocated to community groups through my Department for drugs initiatives is channelled through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. Under this process, applications for funding are made directly to the Task Forces.

In 2010, in excess of €31 million in current funding has been made available to fund the activities of the Task Forces, of which €21.045 million was allocated to the Local Drugs Task Forces and €10 million to the Regional Drugs Task Forces. This funding will support some 500 initiatives that the Task Forces have prioritised for investment in their respective areas. In addition, I recently approved funding of nearly €500,000 for small-scale capital projects in the Task Force areas.

Funding in relation to drug initiatives in Co. Kildare is made through the South Western Regional Drug Task Force (SWRDTF). The SWRDTF covers South Dublin, West Wicklow and Kildare and was allocated €894,750 in 2010. In addition to this, almost €17,000 was provided to fund 3 projects under the Small Capital Premises Fund in County Kildare.