I propose to take Questions Nos. 1367 to 1369, inclusive,1372 to 1375, inclusive, and 1491 to 1494, inclusive, together.
In the Revised Estimates for Public Expenditure 2022, an additional €7m is provided for new measures to support the implementation of the national drugs strategy, 'Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery'. This funding will be used to strengthen the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use and to support the strategic priorities for 2021-2025 identified in the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy.
The Department of Health has published a fact sheet on new funding provided for in Budget 2022 which can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/001fc-budget-2022-factsheet/. This includes €1.7 million for measures to increase the availability of HSE drug and alcohol services on a nationwide basis. This will include services for people with alcohol addiction, people under 18 years, families affected by drugs, as well as rehabilitation and recovery programmes.
Further details on this funding will be set out in the HSE national service plan 2022. Drug and alcohol task forces should engage with their community healthcare organisation on plans for new HSE services.
I am committed to increasing access to and provision of drug and alcohol services in line with the strategic priorities for 2021-2025 under national drug strategy.