Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
723. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his views on enhancing independent regulatory oversight and inspection on addiction treatment services, such as through HIQA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28685/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery has as an objective to attain better health and social outcomes for people who experience harm from substance misuse and, meeting their recovery and rehabilitation needs.
The strategy contains a series of actions which aim to reduce waiting times, provide more equity of access to services around the country and remove potential barriers to accessing treatment by those with complex needs.
The National Drug Treatment Reporting System records data on the incidence and prevalence of drug and alcohol treatment from all publicly funded drug and alcohol treatment services. In 2019, there were 10,664 cases treated for problem drug use, of which a third were new cases, and a further 7,546 cases treated for problem alcohol use, of which 44 per cent were new cases.
The Department of Health has no jurisdiction over agencies that provide private addiction treatment services. There is currently no provision in legislation for the regulation or inspection of residential treatment or rehabilitation organisations that specialise in addiction.
Organisations which provide addiction services and are funded by the HSE are required to meet minimum standards in the delivery of services across a range of criteria which form the basis of any service level agreement.
I believe there is adequate monitoring and oversight of publicly funded drug and alcohol treatment services. I would advise anyone in need of treatment to access these publicly funded services.
