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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Questions (703, 704, 705)

Thomas Gould

Question:

703. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €15 million allocation for homeless persons and those in active addiction during Covid-19 will be allocated. [31498/20]

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Thomas Gould

Question:

704. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if inclusion health refers to a pilot programme in St. James’s Hospital; and if the intention is for a national roll-out of this programme. [31499/20]

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Thomas Gould

Question:

705. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the full allocation to inclusion health; and the proportion of this from the €10 million additional funding announced for the national drugs strategy. [31500/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 703 to 705, inclusive, together.

The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, is the Government roadmap for a health-led response to drug and alcohol use. The Programme for Government Our Shared Future, sets out the Government's priorities under the strategy.

I am pleased that Budget 2021 provides an allocation of €10 million for new development relating to my Ministerial remit on drugs policy and inclusion health. This funding is allocated as follows:

€4.1 million for drug and alcohol services

€3.8 million for the addiction and health needs of people who are homeless, comprised of

- €1 million for health supports for new tenancies under the Housing First programme,

- €1.4 million to develop and deliver a customised health care plan for single people living in emergency accommodation and

- €1.4 million to provide additional services for people who are homeless with complex health needs, including chronic mental health and inpatient treatment services.

€2.1 million to enhance access to health services for other socially excluded groups comprising

- €1 million to improve access to healthcare services for the Roma and Traveller communities,

- €750,000 to enhance healthcare services for asylum seekers and refugees living in direct provision and

- €175,000 for initiatives for victims of domestic violence and the LGBTI community.

A further €11 million is being provided for COVID-19 preventative and responsive measures for people who are homeless, as part of the winter and pandemic plans. This funding will continue the protective public health measures that were developed during COVID-19 for the medically vulnerable homeless population. It will expand GP services for people who living in emergency accommodation in Dublin and regional centres. It will also provide continuity of care for people who are homeless who may require emergency hospital treatment during the winter months.

In keeping with my remit as minister for public health, the additional funding in Budget 2021 will address underlying health inequalities and vulnerabilities among people who use drugs, people who are homeless, Travellers, Roma and asylum seekers.

Much of the funding I have provided will support the work of voluntary and community organisations. We have seen during Covid-19 the impact of a joined-up approach in protecting the most vulnerable. I want this to continue.

Altogether, I believe Budget 2021 is a giant step in delivering on the commitments in the Programme for Government to increase funding for health and social interventions to address the complex health needs of people who use drugs and others who are socially excluded.

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