Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
332. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the additional funding that will be made available to drug task forces and community drugs projects in 2019, by project; if an emerging needs fund will be established; the additional funding available in 2019 for same; the additional funding made available to implement the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9249/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health allocated funding of almost €100 million to the HSE for addiction services in 2019. The HSE National Service Plan 2019 sets out the type and volume of addiction services to be provided, having regard to the funding allocated.
In addition, the Department provides a further €28 million to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces through various channels of funding, including the HSE.
Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Task forces have an important role in delivering the strategy at the local level.
Within the limited envelope of resources available for drug and alcohol services in 2019, I am considering options for the provision of additional funding for addiction services and task forces.
I am committed to providing additional resources to enhance service provision under the national drugs strategy. These resources should be directed towards those interventions which are most likely to lead to a reduction in problem substance use and positive improvement in public health, safety and wellbeing.
I will shortly be engaging with the task forces to outline my plans for additional funding for community initiatives to tackle the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
