Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 November 2018
116. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available for drug addiction services in Drogheda in view of the crisis that has led to worrying events requiring a significant and costly Garda response; if an emergency meeting will be held to assess and plan an urgent outreach response to address the rise in drug addiction in the Drogheda area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48708/18]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the provision of addiction services I have asked it to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to an outreach response to address the rise in drug addiction in the Drogheda area.
The HSE's National Service Plan 2018 sets out the type and volume of health and social care services to be provided by the Health Service Executive in 2018, having regard to the funding allocated.
Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the envelope of resources available in Budget 2019 for health services, 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.
