Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
336. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the details of the €10 million in funding announced in budget 2021 for the national drugs strategy; if the drugs and alcohol task force in Tallaght, Dublin 24, is included in funding for the expanded family support services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35948/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drugs policy and inclusion health.
Of this, €4m was allocated to provide for the implementation of the national drugs strategy to enhance drug and alcohol services as follows:
- €1m to develop targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces, and to increase in core funding for existing services
- €2m 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
- €560,000 to expand community and family support services, including initiatives in Donegal/Leitrim/Sligo, Louth/Meath and Dublin North Inner City.
- €390,000 for drug prevention and information initiatives, including pilot drug monitoring at festivals and the night-time economy and expanded access to the drugs and alcohol helpline.
A further €4m was allocated to address the addiction and mental health needs of people who are homeless as follows:
- €1m to provide health supports for 218 new tenancies under the Housing First programme.
- €1.55m to develop and deliver a customised health care plan for 1,300 single people living in emergency accommodation
- €1.4m to provide additional services for people who are homeless with complex health needs, including those with chronic mental health issues and those leaving hospitals or other treatment services.
A further €2m was allocated to enhance access to health services for other socially excluded groups, as follows:
- €870,000 to improve access to healthcare services for the Roma community and other vulnerable migrants across all CHOs
- €€270,000 to expand Traveller health units, as a first phase of the forthcoming HSE Traveller health action plan
- €750,000 to enhance healthcare services for the c 8,000 asylum seekers and refugees living in direct provision
- €175,000 for initiatives for victims of domestic violence and the LGBTI+ community.
Further details of the measures will be set out the HSE national service plan for 2021.
I would advise Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force to contact their community healthcare organisation to enquire about the allocation of new funding to their locality.
