Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 June 2018
183. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the €7.5 million allocated to social inclusion as outlined in budget 2018; the amount that has been spent; the way in which the money has been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27235/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe social inclusion remit of the Department of Health provides targeted interventions for people from socially excluded groups who experience severe health inequalities. These groups include people involved in substance misuse, the homeless, Travellers and Roma, and refugees and asylum seekers. They frequently have difficulties accessing mainstream services and present with complex health and needs that require integrated and tailored responses.
Additional funding of €7.5 million was provided in 2018 for new developments in social inclusion and drugs policy. This funding is being used to:
Address the health needs of people who are homeless and have mental health and addictions issues in line with the Rebuilding Ireland,
Respond to the pressing health needs of refugees arriving in Emergency Reception & Orientation Centres by improving access to primary care services, with a particular focus on addressing oral health needs,
Expand drug and alcohol services, with the objective of reducing waiting times and promoting person-centred care, and
Implement priority actions in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery.
To date, nearly €4m has been released to the HSE to progress these initiatives. The HSE is expected to drawdown the remainder of its allocation in Quarter 4.
A further €930,000 is allocated to the Department under the Drugs Initiative Fund, including an additional €250,000 for local and regional task forces and new programmes targeting young people at risk of substance misuse and community action on alcohol.
I am committed to ensuring that adequate resources are provided to implement the national drugs strategy and to meet departmental commitments on homeless, refugees and Travellers.
