Written Answers Nos. 684-705
684. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of acute beds, excluding critical care, projected to be in the system up until the end of the winter plan, that is, to the end of April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31432/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to continuing investment in our health care services in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review and the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.
The Health Service Capacity Review 2018 found that the net requirement in combination with health system reform is for an additional 2,590 hospital beds by 2031 (2,100 inpatient, 300 day case and 190 critical care). The National Development Plan provides for the addition of the full 2,590 beds by 2027.
This winter is expected to be particularly challenging due to the presence of Covid-19 and the uncertainty around the level of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 healthcare demands. The Department of Health is working with the HSE to increase acute capacity in hospitals throughout the country to meet this and other health demands. Government allocated €236 million revenue and €40 million capital expenditure as part of Budget 2021 to fund additional acute beds on a permanent basis. This funding will provide, by the end of 2021, an additional 1,146 acute beds.
A proportion of these beds will be funded as part of the HSE’s Winter Plan 2020/21. The Winter Plan aims to provide additional health service capacity across a range of services. Initiatives comprise additional acute and community beds to increase acute capacity, help reduce admissions and facilitate egress.
This represents a significant step towards achieving the recommendations in the 2018 Health Service Capacity Review which found that an additional 2,100 inpatient acute beds were required, in a reform scenario, by 2031.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
685. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of acute beds, excluding critical care, projected to be in the system up until the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31433/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to continuing investment in our health care services in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review and the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.
The Health Service Capacity Review 2018 found that the net requirement in combination with health system reform is for an additional 2,590 hospital beds by 2031 (2,100 inpatient, 300 day case and 190 critical care). The National Development Plan provides for the addition of the full 2,590 beds by 2027.
This winter is expected to be particularly challenging due to the presence of Covid-19 and the uncertainty around the level of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 healthcare demands. The Department of Health is working with the HSE to increase acute capacity in hospitals throughout the country to meet this and other health demands. Government allocated €236 million revenue and €40 million capital expenditure as part of Budget 2021 to fund additional acute beds on a permanent basis. This funding will provide, by the end of 2021, an additional 1,146 acute beds.
A proportion of these beds will be funded as part of the HSE’s Winter Plan 2020/21. The Winter Plan aims to provide additional health service capacity across a range of services. Initiatives comprise additional acute and community beds to increase acute capacity, help reduce admissions and facilitate egress.
This represents a significant step towards achieving the recommendations in the 2018 Health Service Capacity Review which found that an additional 2,100 inpatient acute beds were required, in a reform scenario, by 2031.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
686. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to arrange a replacement reciprocal scheme between Ireland and the UK for the European health insurance card, EHIC, in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31442/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraArrangements for Irish residents wishing to use European Health Insurance Cards in the UK before the end of the transition period remain unchanged. The maintenance of European Health Insurance Card rights in respect of the UK after that time is part of the on-going EU-UK Future Relationship negotiations.
Both the Irish and British Governments are however committed to maintaining, in so far as possible, the current healthcare arrangements under the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under the CTA, Irish citizens and British citizens who live in, work in, or visit the other state have the right to access healthcare there. The Government is working to ensure that new arrangements will provide for continued access to the health services, including necessary healthcare while on a temporary stay, between Ireland and the UK, including on the island of Ireland, which residents in both jurisdictions currently access.
Furthermore, the Government identified the importance placed by residents of Northern Ireland to continued access to EHIC type benefits. This matter is also being addressed in discussions between the EU and the UK on the future relationship negotiations. In the event that this issue is not adequately resolved our preparations continue for the development of a direct reimbursement scheme which will allow eligible residents of Northern Ireland to apply to the HSE for the reimbursement of the cost of necessary healthcare incurred while visiting an EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland.
My officials are working to progress the necessary legislative arrangements to give effect to such a scheme and is engaged with the HSE to ensure that it has the necessary operational arrangements in place to administer this in the relevant scenario.
687. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a HSE-funded nationwide pharmacy-led "dispose of unused medicines properly" scheme for unused medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31449/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has received proposals from the Irish Pharmacy Union in relation to a national 'Disposal of Unused Medicines Properly' campaign through community pharmacies.
As with any proposal that would have an impact on HSE expenditure, it would require it to be carefully considered in the context of available resources and scoped appropriately. The HSE would anticipate that any future discussions with the Irish Pharmacy Union in relation to a nationwide approach to better medication management, would include appropriate disposal arrangements for unused medicines.
However, the HSE have no plans to introduce such a scheme at this time.
688. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation to facilitate substitution by a pharmacist from a biological reference product to a biosimilar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31450/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health is fully supportive of domestic policies that maximise efficiency in our medicines usage. The HSE is actively engaged in implementing effective policy levers across a number of domains and under several initiatives, including programmes under the Acute Hospitals Drugs Management Programme (AHDMP), the Medicines Management Programme (MMP), and within the Primary Care Eligibility & Reimbursement Service (PCERS).
The AHDMP has a biosimilar strategy in place since 2017. This is making considerable progress using a collaborative approach to bring about changes in prescribing practice.
The MMP completed an evaluation process in 2019 for the identification of the best-value biological (BVB) medicines for TNF- inhibitors under the High-Tech Drug arrangements. In June 2019, a system of gain-share was introduced and is administered by the PCERS with the objective of encouraging the prescribing of the BVB medicines. This has been largely successful in increasing uptake of these medicines. By year-end, the initiative is on track to deliver approximately €42m in savings, with 2021 full year savings projected to be in the region of €50 – 80 million.
While progress has been positive, the Department of Health and HSE are continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of current levers to ensure that the State can capitalise on the most efficient policy approach.
689. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his plans to reopen a SouthDoc service in Kinsale, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31459/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
690. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if non-cohabiting couples are allowed to meet physically if they reside in different counties under level 3 and 4 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31461/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. This Plan provides a framework setting out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The framework sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It is framed to account for periods during which there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied.
The Plan reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical. It acknowledges that sports, arts and other social activities are central to our well-being and that sports and arts are also the world of work for our many in our communities.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful when socialising and working with others. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.
Ireland has moved from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society. Further information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
Under Levels 3 and 4 of the plan, the public health advice on domestic travel is to stay in your county (or other defined geographical area) apart from essential work, education and other essential purposes.
Further information on domestic travel under each level of the Plan is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/roadmap/
692. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the proposed sale by the Health Service Executive of a house (details supplied) will be postponed until an agreement has been reached with the family of the remaining resident on the resident's future care needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31469/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
693. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to reviewing the decision taken on an application for a drug payment scheme card for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31470/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
694. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1207 of 8 September 2020, the details and information on the number of hospital laboratories that require some additional funding to enable them to provide general practitioners with full access to the BNP blood test; the options being explored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31472/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
695. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the amount of extra funding that will be allocated towards services for members of the Traveller community in view of the increased funding for mental health announced under budget 2021. [31474/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn additional €23 million in the mental health allocation in Budget 2021 will be allocated to commence implementation of Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, including enhancement of mental health community teams, child and adolescent mental health services, crisis resolution services, development of clinical care programmes and investment in peer support workers and employment supports.
The policy promises an individualistic approach to mental health service provision. Sharing the Vision acknowledges Travellers have specific needs, and are included as part of the whole population, to whom the policy promotes individual response and treatment for each person. Sharing the Vision also recognises that additional work is required to promote positive mental health and build resilience among specific priority groups such as the Traveller Community.
The new policy focusses on developing a broad based, whole-of-system mental health policy for the whole population while providing effective specialist mental health services. The new policy is action orientated and focussed on bringing about tangible changes in people’s lives.
Separately, Budget 2021 provides an allocation of €10m for new development relating to my Ministerial remit on drugs policy and inclusion health. This includes €2.1m to enhance access to health services for socially excluded groups, including €270,000 to expand Traveller health units.
I welcome the additional funding for Traveller health in Budget 2021 as the first phase of the forthcoming HSE Traveller health action plan.
696. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the provisions in place for children who are deemed too old for the school catch-up programme for the HPV vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31477/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
In 2009, the NIAC recommended HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for all 12 to 13 year old girls to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are adults. In September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of secondary school.
The NIAC recommended that the HPV vaccine should also be given to boys. On foot of the NIAC’s recommendation, my Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the current immunisation programme to include boys in the first year of secondary school.
The HIQA completed the HTA in December 2018, recommending that the HPV immunisation programme be extended to include boys. A policy decision was made to extend the HPV immunisation programme to include boys, starting in September 2019, with the introduction of a 9-valent HPV vaccine.
However, the HIQA report published in December 2018 did not recommend an HPV catch-up programme for older boys for the following reasons:
- vaccinating boys in the first year of secondary school provides the best possible protection against HPV infection;
- boys are already benefitting from the indirect herd protection provided by the girls' HPV vaccination programme which started in 2010.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes sexually active, that is, before a person is first exposed to HPV infection.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage. All vaccines administered through the School Immunisation Programme are provided free of charge.
My Department will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on this issue in the future.
Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during the 2020/2021 school year who wishes to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay privately for the vaccine and its administration.
697. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the face-covering regulations in place for retail and food service workers; the enforcement body that either a worker or a member of public can contact if he or she has concerns regarding the implementation of the regulations in terms of the safety of workers and the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public health advice relating to Covid-19, including that relating to face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
A person, without reasonable excuse, must now wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers.
The relevant Regulations relating to retails outlets are the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Face Coverings in certain premises and businesses) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 296/2020) as amended by the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Face Coverings in certain premises and businesses) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 404/2020)
These Regulations do not apply:
- to a person under 13 years,
- to the occupier, manager or person in charge or a worker where there is a screen that separates them from other persons or the person takes all reasonable steps to maintain a distance of two metres
- to a member of the Garda Síochána in the course of performing his or her duties
The retail and other business Regulations provide that it is a matter for the occupier, manager or person in charge to take all reasonable steps to engage with persons entering or in a relevant premises to inform them of the requirements to wear a face covering and to promote compliance with the requirement. It is therefore a matter for the management of the retail operator concerned to decide what he/she may accept in terms of a reason for not wearing a face covering.
The Deputy may wish to note that the requirement to wear a face covering in the situations described is a penal provision for the purposes of section 31A of the Health Act 1947 (No. 28 of 1947). Enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
A reasonable excuse includes when a person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress; to communicate with a person who has difficulties communicating; to provide emergency help or care to a vulnerable person; to avoid harm or injury or to take medication. In addition, in retail outlets, it is also permitted to remove the face covering to allow for identification when the sales of goods or services have a minimum age requirement, or to assist in the provision of healthcare or healthcare advice.
The current face covering advice is available at
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
- http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings
698. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the allocation to the national drugs strategy in budget 2020; the actual spend on the national drugs strategy; and the full allocation to the strategy in budget 2021. [31493/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra751. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the additional funding that has been provided to his Department’s drug and alcohol strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery: A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025, since its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31650/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 698 and 751 together.
The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, is the Government roadmap for a health-led response to drug and alcohol use. The Programme for Government Our Shared Future, sets out the Government's priorities under the strategy.
Since the strategy was published in 2017, the funding provided by the Department of Health to implement the strategy increased from €122m in 2016 to €129m in 2019. A further €6m was provided for addiction and related services to meet the needs of people who are homeless in this period.
Expenditure on HSE addiction services increased from €94 million in 2016 to over €100 million in 2019. This funding is used by the HSE to deliver a wide range of national policy objectives as outlined in the National Drugs Strategy including a focus on early intervention; treatment; and rehabilitation. This in turn helps people with substance misuse issue to achieve better health outcomes.
The Department of Health increased funding to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces from €28 million in 2016 to €29 million in 2019. 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. The additional of €1 million funds 13 strategic health initiatives identified by Task Forces to respond to emerging trends in substance misuse and to improve access to services for people with complex needs.
Additional funding of €3 million was provided for the implementation of the strategy in 2020. This funding supports the implementation of the Health Diversion Programme, to expand addiction services for pregnant and post-natal women, and to develop a community alcohol service in Galway and a residential treatment service for women and children in the mid-west region.
I announced new funding of €4.1 million for the following new drug and alcohol services in Budget 2021:
- €1 million to develop targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces, and to increase core funding for existing services
- €2 million to increase residential treatment services for people with severe drug and alcohol dependency across the country, including a step-up stabilisation facility in CHOs Cork/Kerry, Mid-West and South East and a low threshold programme in Dublin North East Inner City
- €700,000 to expand community and family support services, including initiatives in Donegal/Leitrim/Sligo, Louth/Meath, Cork/Kerry, and Dublin North Inner City
- €400,000 for harm reduction initiatives, including pilot drug monitoring at festivals and the night-time economy, expanded access to the drugs and alcohol helpline and increased provision of naloxone.
In addition, €11m will be provided in 2021 to meet the complex health needs of people who are homeless, including those in addiction, arising from Covid-19. A further €4.2 million will be provided in 2021 for the continued treatment of an additional 700 clients on opioid substitution treatment (OST), who were given access to OST in 2020 under the Covid-19 contingency plan for people who use drugs
I believe that Budget 2021 is a giant step in delivering on the commitments in the Programme for Government to increase funding for health and social interventions for people who use drugs, including those who are homeless.
699. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the allocation from budget 2021 for delivery of community action on alcohol; and when this funding will be made available [31494/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national drugs, strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, provides an integrated public health approach to drugs and alcohol use.
The Department is developing a new education and prevention funding scheme which will be launched towards the end 2020. This scheme will include the use of evidence-based approaches to mobilising community action on alcohol.
I want to strengthen the delivery of substance use education across all sectors in order to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol at a young age and to increase awareness of the risks of drug and alcohol use.
700. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 18 September 2020, the status of same. [31495/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The restructuring of services, social distancing measures and self-isolation can be particularly difficult for those who are trying to remain drug or alcohol free and for those who are in recovery.
The Government plan for living with Covid-19 details how non-Covid health and social care services will be resumed, especially during the challenging winter months. This includes planning for the safe resumption of drug and alcohol services, including community-based services, residential programmes and recovery support groups.
The Department has set up a working group with drug and alcohol service providers to develop a 'Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services', in a planned and appropriate manner in line with public health advice. The working group has identified issues on which guidance and supports are required.
I recently met with representatives of drug and alcohol task forces to discuss continued support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs. I confirmed my approval of additional funding to support the resumption of drug and alcohol services including the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings and personal protective equipment.
I will be announcing the details of this additional funding shortly.
701. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the length of stay per residential treatment episode under the allocation of 150 residential treatment episodes in budget 2021 [31496/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has advised that an episode of medical detoxification treatment lasts approximately 6 weeks, but other residential treatment episodes may take longer in some cases. The estimated cost per treatment episode is €7,500.
I announced the provision of €1.125 million in funding as part of Budget 2021 to increase the number of residential treatments for those stabilising, detoxing and/or seeking drug-free services, in line with the Programme for Government. This additional funding will provide an additional 150 residential treatment episodes for people with severe drug and alcohol dependency across the country.
702. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the allocation given to addressing problem gambling in budget 2021. [31497/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for gambling regulation.
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services. People who present to the HSE for treatment for problem gambling are offered the same range of interventions as those who present with a drug and alcohol addiction, or a mental health concern, including an initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment, and individual counselling.
Separate funding is not provided to addiction services to develop a programme or intervention specifically for problem gambling.
I can confirm that an additional €4 million was provided for drug and alcohol services in Budget 2021.
703. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €15 million allocation for homeless persons and those in active addiction during Covid-19 will be allocated. [31498/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra704. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if inclusion health refers to a pilot programme in St. James’s Hospital; and if the intention is for a national roll-out of this programme. [31499/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra705. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the full allocation to inclusion health; and the proportion of this from the €10 million additional funding announced for the national drugs strategy. [31500/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 703 to 705, inclusive, together.
The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, is the Government roadmap for a health-led response to drug and alcohol use. The Programme for Government Our Shared Future, sets out the Government's priorities under the strategy.
I am pleased that Budget 2021 provides an allocation of €10 million for new development relating to my Ministerial remit on drugs policy and inclusion health. This funding is allocated as follows:
€4.1 million for drug and alcohol services
€3.8 million for the addiction and health needs of people who are homeless, comprised of
- €1 million for health supports for new tenancies under the Housing First programme,
- €1.4 million to develop and deliver a customised health care plan for single people living in emergency accommodation and
- €1.4 million to provide additional services for people who are homeless with complex health needs, including chronic mental health and inpatient treatment services.
€2.1 million to enhance access to health services for other socially excluded groups comprising
- €1 million to improve access to healthcare services for the Roma and Traveller communities,
- €750,000 to enhance healthcare services for asylum seekers and refugees living in direct provision and
- €175,000 for initiatives for victims of domestic violence and the LGBTI community.
A further €11 million is being provided for COVID-19 preventative and responsive measures for people who are homeless, as part of the winter and pandemic plans. This funding will continue the protective public health measures that were developed during COVID-19 for the medically vulnerable homeless population. It will expand GP services for people who living in emergency accommodation in Dublin and regional centres. It will also provide continuity of care for people who are homeless who may require emergency hospital treatment during the winter months.
In keeping with my remit as minister for public health, the additional funding in Budget 2021 will address underlying health inequalities and vulnerabilities among people who use drugs, people who are homeless, Travellers, Roma and asylum seekers.
Much of the funding I have provided will support the work of voluntary and community organisations. We have seen during Covid-19 the impact of a joined-up approach in protecting the most vulnerable. I want this to continue.
Altogether, I believe Budget 2021 is a giant step in delivering on the commitments in the Programme for Government to increase funding for health and social interventions to address the complex health needs of people who use drugs and others who are socially excluded.
