The Department of Health does not directly fund the Organisation referred to in the Details Supplied by the Deputy. The organisation does however receive funding from the HSE and drug and alcohol task forces.
The Department has noted the contents of the pre-budget submission from the Organisation. The proposals in the submission fall under the remit of a number of government departments and agencies.
The progression of the health related proposals outlined in the submission can be considered by the HSE in the context of its deliberations on priorities for the 2019 National Service Plan.
Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the increased envelope of resources available in the health budget, my intention is to prioritise funding for community drug and alcohol projects in task force areas of greatest need, additional drug and alcohol midwives working with vulnerable mothers-to-be and enhanced treatment services to address existing and emerging needs.