Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Questions (444)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

444. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding through the South Western Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to assist in the valuable work carried out by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15734/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The South West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force receives annual funding from the Health Service Executive to allocate to community-based drugs initiatives at a local level. It is a matter for the Task Force concerned to ensure that its budget is effectively deployed based on locally identified needs and priorities, taking into account the changing nature of the drugs problem. Applications for funding by local organisations in the catchment area should be made directly to the Task Force.

As the Health Service Executive fund the Task Force, the matter has been referred to the Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.