Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2019
336. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding in 2020 for the drug task forces in view of the increasing problems with drug abuse nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53824/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Drugs Strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery is a health-led response to the problem of drug and alcohol use in Ireland. The strategy is underpinned by a partnership approach between the statutory, non-statutory and community and voluntary sectors.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in local communities. They ensure that a coordinated approach is taken across all sectors to address substance misuse based on the identified needs and priorities in their areas.
Task Forces oversee an annual budget of €28m from the Department of Health and the HSE. This funding supports over 280 community projects, in local areas and communities throughout the country, to support initiatives to tackle drug and alcohol use and misuse.
Additional funding of €1m has been provided for the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy in 2019. €480,000 of this funding will provide an additional €20,000 for each of the 24 Task Forces, including the ten Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. €10,000 of this funding will be on a permanent recurring basis.
A further allocation of €480,000 of this funding has been allocated in 2019 for twelve strategic health initiatives, as announced by me on 17 September 2019.
Budget 2020 provides for the continuation of this €1m funding in 2020.
