306 people participated in drug rehabilitation programmes offered by Agenzija Sedqa in 2015, according to information tabled in Parliament by Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia.

Dr Farrugia said the programmes were offered at Dar l-Impenn, Komunita` Santa Marija and the Assessment and Stabilisation Unit. The Minister said there are no waiting lists at Dar l-Impenn and Komunita` Santa Marija and 4 people on the ASU’s waiting list.

In reply to a set of questions by PN MP Claudio Grech, Dr Farrugia also said the government currently has a two-year agreement with Caritas, which would get a maximum of €860,000 in funding each year.

The information tabled in Parliament shows that the Church organisation received €643,881 in funding in 2010, which rose to €646,000 in 2012 and to €850,000 in 2015.

Dr Farrugia said an agreement regarding drug rehabilitation programmes for persons aged under 18 would be signed between the government and Caritas later on this year.