Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
835. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the amount of the €10 million announced for the drugs strategy that will go to drug and alcohol task forces for local projects; and if the amount is ringfenced. [38233/20]
View answerBudget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drugs policy and inclusion health. Of this, €4m is being provided to enhance drug and alcohol services as follows:
- €1m to develop targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces, and to increase in core funding for existing services
- €2m to increase residential treatment services for people with severe drug and alcohol dependency across the country, including a step-up stabilisation facility in CHOs Cork/Kerry, Mid-West and South East and a low threshold programme in Dublin North East Inner City
- €560,000 to expand community and family support services, including initiatives in Donegal/Leitrim/Sligo, Louth/Meath and Dublin North Inner City
- €390,000 for drug prevention and information initiatives, including pilot drug monitoring at festivals and the night-time economy and expanded access to the drugs and alcohol helpline.
A further €4m is allocated to address the addiction and mental health needs of people who are homeless.
€2m in new funding is being provided to enhance access to health services for socially excluded groups.
The additional €1m for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives will be directed towards new and emerging needs, informed by the mid-term review of actions in the national drugs strategy, and delivered in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces. I will announce details of the new funding in due course.
