Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
594. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the roll-out of a national service level agreement across all section 37 and section 38 bodies involved in drug treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26616/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy in relation to drugs underlines the importance of providing opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use to a drug-free life, where that is achievable. In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Health Service Executive has reoriented the addiction services in recent years so that they are capable of dealing with all substances. The HSE is continuing to develop the spread and range of addiction services to achieve better coverage across the country, especially in areas most affected by the drug problem. Treatment is provided through a network of statutory and non-statutory agencies, using a four tier model of service delivery. The four tier model is based on the principle that drug treatment is best provided at the lowest level of complexity, matching the patient’s needs and as close to the patient’s home as possible.
As the HSE are responsible for the delivery of addiction services I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
