Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1904. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the mitigation strategy that was put in place for the closure of residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation beds due to Covid-19; the increase in waiting list times; and his views on the success of this plan. [19267/21]
View answerKeeping people safe and operating services within the public health guidelines is key to curbing the spread of the virus and reducing the risk of infection for staff and clients. Several factors have impacted on waiting lists for drug and alcohol rehabilitation beds over the course of the pandemic. These include (a) a reduction reduced in capacity to comply with public health guidance, (b) restrictions on new entries, (c) closures due to outbreaks and (d) difficulties carrying out face to face assessments and validating waiting lists as many of the interactions are telephone only.
Several important initiatives have been introduced to restore and continue access to drug and alcohol services during Covid-19. The Department of Health has issued guidance on the continuation of addiction support groups and treatment programmes during COVID-19, including level 5. In addition, the Department has developed a 'Framework for the Restoration and Continuation of Drug and Alcohol services', in a planned and appropriate manner in line with public health advice. To support the Framework, I provided once-off funding of €480,00 in November 2020 for the restoration of drug and alcohol services including the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings, and personal protective equipment. In addition, the HSE has provided additional guidance to residential treatment services.
Unfortunately, the necessary safeguards have resulted in increases in waiting times for residential addiction treatment across the country ranging from an average of 2-6 weeks in some services to an average of 6-9 months in other services.
It is important to note that the HSE cannot change the capacity issues that have arisen due to the introduction of social distancing measures to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
I acknowledge the challenges faced by residential treatment service providers during Covid-19 and will continue to support service providers in restoring and continuing their services.
