Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
434. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding from the health budget announced in budget 2020 that will go towards local and regional drug task forces in 2020; the increases in funding planned for the task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42109/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased that the additional funding of €1m announced by me in March 2019 to support the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy will be continued in 2020.
€240,000 of this funding will allow for the continuation of €10,000 in additional funding to each of the 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces in 2020.
€720,000 of this funding will be used to support the 12 strategic health initiatives approved last month. These initiatives reflect priorities agreed between the Community Health Organisations and Drug and Alcohol Task Forces to target resources at groups most in need. Each initiative will receive €60,000 in 2020.
I am confident that these initiatives will improve access to addiction services for people with complex needs and assist them in their journey to recovery.
