€12.5m fund for addict scheme

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen has allocated €12.5 million to fund the implementation of a new national system to rehabilitate drug addicts.

The extra money accounts for most of the 29% increase given to the drugs vote within the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The total budget for the drugs initiative and the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund rises from €50m in 2007 to more than €64m in 2008.