Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
245. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance if he considered the establishment of a ringfenced alcohol-related harm fund, as proposed by an organisation (details supplied) in the recent Budget 2025 announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44014/24]
View answerI welcome the engagement from Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) Ireland in the context of Budget 2025. As is the case with all budgetary decisions, all strands of relevant information, including submissions from stakeholder and representative bodies are taken into account when considering budgetary options. The annual budget process includes presentation policy options to the Tax Strategy Group in policy papers which are available online: www.gov.ie/en/collection/e9c8d-budget-2025-tax-strategy-group-papers/.
With regard to the FASD budgetary recommendation of hypothecation, it is important to note that with limited exceptions such as the carbon tax, hypothecation in general is not a feature of the Irish tax system as it reduces the flexibility of the Government to prioritise and allocate funds as necessary at a particular time. This constrains expenditure decisions and can distort the allocation of resources resulting in reduced value for money and sub-optimal outcomes.
Budget 2025 provided for an increase in funding for drugs services and inclusion health of €40.5 million. This includes an allocation of an additional €1 million to facilitate the national roll-out of community alcohol services. The increased investment in drug and alcohol treatment services enables a strong response to growing demand, with over 420 publicly funded drug and alcohol services providing 21,000 cases of treatment in 2023, up 10% on 2022. The funding will also focus on improving access to services in underserved communities and meeting the specific needs of people who use alcohol or stimulant drugs and those who have a dual diagnosis. Budget 2025 also allocated €4.9 million in funding for the operational costs of a new 100-bed community care facility which aims to provide enhanced tailored health, addiction and social care for single adults who are homeless in the Dublin region.
With regard to the proposed research referred to by the FSAD in their pre budget submission, I note that the Health Research Board provides financial support for research projects under qualifying conditions. Further detail is available on the website of the HRB: www.hrb.ie/funding/
