Thomas Gould
Question:2976. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he plans to take action on the exclusion of addiction treatment facilities from the HIQA remit. [39764/21]
View answerTuesday, 27 July 2021
Questions (2976, 2977)
Thomas Gould
Question:2977. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he plans to take action on the lack of public oversight and transparency in addiction treatment facilities. [39765/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2976 and 2977 together.
Under the Health Act 2004, as amended, the HSE is responsible for the provision of health and personal social services including addiction services. The HSE either provides these services directly or contracts to have them provided on its behalf.
Organisations providing addiction treatment services, funded by the HSE, are required to meet minimum standards in the delivery of services across a range of criteria as part of the service level agreement process.
The Department of Health has no jurisdiction over agencies that provide private addiction treatment services.
There is no provision in legislation for the introduction of regulations relating to the inspection of residential addiction treatment centres by HIQA.
I am committed to ensuring there is transparent monitoring and oversight of publicly funded drug and alcohol treatment services.
Question No. 2977 answered with Question No. 2976.