Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
711. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the reason funding has been withheld from an organisation (details supplied); if he will reconsider the provision of such funding to keep the service in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46248/21]
View answerThe Department is aware of the many challenges facing families and communities in Drogheda and the north east region arising from drug-related crime, as documented in the Department of Justice report.
In line with the report's recommendations, the Department is committed to improving the availability of drug and alcohol services in Drogheda and surrounding counties. As well as the allocation of €150,000 announced by Minister McEntee for drug and alcohol services in Drogheda, the Department of Health and the HSE is providing a further €150,000 to support family support services and to improve access to community-based drug and alcohol services across the region.
The important role of families affected by drug use in contributing to the planning, design, and delivery of effective addiction services is outlined in the National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. Accordingly, in Budget 2021, €280,000 was allocated to support family services through the HSE National Service Plan for 2021. 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. The HSE will use this additional funding to develop coordinated family support programmes in Louth and Meath and three other areas in 2021, with each area being allocated €70,000.
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 local services.
I would encourage eligible organisations, including the one referenced by the Deputy, to engage with the HSE on securing additional funding for their services in the Louth/Meath region.
