I propose to take Questions Nos. 1483 and 1484 together.
The National Drug and Alcohol Survey 2019/20 is funded by the Department of Health and managed by the Health Research Board. It provides information on alcohol, tobacco, and drug use amongst the general population in Ireland.
The survey findings show that, overall, the use of illegal drugs has remained similar to that recorded in the 2014/15. Cannabis which is still the most prevalent illegal drug used in Ireland, has shown a decrease from 6.5% to 5.9% when compared to the 2014/15 survey. However there was an increase in the use of cocaine and ecstasy.
The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, strategy provides an integrated public health approach to drug and alcohol use, focused on reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery. The recently completed mid-term review of the drug strategy shows significant progress in implementing the action plan for the period 2017 to 2020, with only a small number of the 50 actions outstanding.
Six strategic priorities have been identified for the remaining years of the strategy. The first strategic priority aims to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people.
Access and availability of drug services have been improved under the national drugs strategy, particularly services for women and people who are homeless, and those with heroin addiction. The Department provides over €150 million to provide drug and alcohol services every year.
Significant additional funding was provided to the HSE to provide for drug treatment services in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, a further €4.2 million was secured for the continued treatment of an additional 1,000 clients on opioid substitution treatment.
I am committed to the implementation of the health led approach to drug use and to supporting people on their journey to recovery.