Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
1102. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the expected timeframe in which the HSE will report to his Department on the outcome of the application process for the €70,000 funding allocation in budget 2021 to support family support services, specifically in counties Louth and Meath, in which the HSE is issuing a template by which interested parties can apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53279/21]
View answerThe 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. The development of family support services is also listed as a drug and alcohol priority in the HSE National Service Plan for 2021.
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, and
- 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.
The HSE is currently managing a commissioning process for the provision of family services in Louth and Meath.
As the expected timeline for the completion of the commissioning process is an operational matter for the HSE. I have asked the HSE to keep me informed of progress in commissioning this service.
