Cathal Crowe
Question:314. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the numbers attending meetings for an addiction service (details supplied) can be increased. [31624/21]
View answerThursday, 15 July 2021
Questions (314)
Written answers
The Department has developed guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes. The guidance recognises the important role of drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes in helping individuals to build recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use. The latest guidance on the holding of addiction meetings for drug and alcohol support groups was published by the Department on 26 January 2021.
This guidance recommends that for attendance at indoor meetings the maximum number of participants is 15 people (including leaders). It notes that the specific number should be determined by the capacity of the venue to ensure 2 metres social distance and should be adjusted accordingly in smaller venues.
This guidance is subject to ongoing review and updating to reflect public health advice, Government decisions on restrictive measures and emerging issues.
the Government approach throughout 2021 will be guided by the following overarching objectives:
- Reduce case numbers to a very low level and keep them low
- Complete vaccination of all those indicated for and accepting of the vaccine as quickly as possible
- Continue to protect the most vulnerable to the disease, and priority public services of health and
social care, education and childcare.
The Government approach throughout 2021 is guided by the following overarching objectives:
- reduce case numbers to a low level and keep them low
- complete vaccination of the population as soon as possible
- continue to protect the most vulnerable to the disease and priority public services.
As we reopen society, it is important that people stick with the public health guidelines. The Delta continues to pose a threat. Those who are vaccinated should feel comfortable meeting with other fully vaccinated people in all settings. Unfortunately, the Delta variant continues to present a risk to those of us who are unvaccinated or waiting for a second dose of vaccine - we need to continue to follow the public health advice, manage your contacts, avoid crowds, wear a mask, wash your hands and most importantly get your COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered to you.
The scope to increase numbers attending indoor meetings or events is dependent therefore on the rollout of the vaccination programme.
My officials will continue to engage with AA and other recovery groups to explore the scope to increase attendance at indoor meetings, in line with public health advice.