Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
956. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current and future funding streams that will be available for addiction services specifically funding that will be made available to organisations (details supplied); the timeframe for which funding will be available; the criteria linked to that funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41428/21]
View answer1266. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current funding available to an organisation (details supplied); the future funding that may be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42280/21]
View answer1269. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current funding available to a group (details supplied); the future funding that may be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42283/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 956, 1266 and 1269 together.
The National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, recognises the role of families affected by drug use in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of effective addiction services.
In Budget 2021, I secured €280,000 in additional funding to support family services. This funding will be used to develop and broaden the range of peer-led, mutual aid and family support programmes in accordance with best practice, in line with action 2.1.16 of the National Drugs Strategy.
The development of family support services is listed as a drug and alcohol priority in the HSE National Service Plan for 2021. It is intended that the HSE will use this additional funding to develop coordinated family support programmes in the following four areas this year:
- Dublin North Inner City,
- Cork/Kerry,
- Louth and Meath
- Donegal.
It is anticipated that each initiative will be allocated €70,000. I am happy to report that the drawdown of the funding for these services has been approved by the Department and the funding is now available to the HSE for allocation to community healthcare organisations.
I am aware of the interest in the allocation of this funding in Louth/Meath and the other three regions by organisations and or groups representing families.
I would encourage such groups to engage with the HSE regarding the allocation of this funding in their region.
