Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1878. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the progress made for each of the strategic actions contained within Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - A health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national drugs strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery-a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025 identifies 50 strategic actions across five goals. The strategy sets out performance indicators in relation to each goal.
As a first step in implementing the strategy, a number of actions was prioritised and additional funding of €6.5 million was provided in Budget 2018 to resource these actions. They include;
- expand the availability and geographic spread of drug and alcohol services
- establish a medically supervised injecting facility
- recruit two additional drug and alcohol liaison midwives
- improve the range of drug-related services and rehabilitation supports for people who are homeless
- strengthen the effectiveness of the drug-related intimidation reporting programme
- consider the approaches taken to the possession of drugs for personal use.
The National Oversight Committee, which I chair, gives leadership and direction to support the implementation of the strategy. The committee reviewed progress on the implementation of the strategy at its recent quarterly meeting in May. Representatives from all the relevant government departments, agencies and sectors are on this committee.
I expect to receive a detailed report on the implementation of strategy at the end of the year.
