Thomas Gould
Ceist:211. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the reason family support networks no longer have a seat on the National Oversight Committee; and when this will be restored. [49996/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 13 October 2021
Ceisteanna (211)
Freagraí scríofa
The national drug strategy Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery represents a whole-of-government response to the problem of drug and alcohol use in Ireland. It emphasises a health-led response to substance use in Ireland, based on providing person-centred services that promote rehabilitation and recovery.
The strategy aims to promote the participation of service users and their families, including those in recovery, in local, regional and national decision-making structures and network. The National Family Support Network was a member of the National Oversight Committee from 2017, when the committee was established, until the network went into voluntary liquidation earlier this year.
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Health has completed a mid-term review of the actions in Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery. Arising from the review, a number of strategic priorities have been identified and a proposal for new oversight structures to support the implementation of these priorities is under consideration. This proposal will change the membership of the NOC going forward and broaden and deepen civil society involvement in the strategy. The strategy provides that the final membership of the oversight committee is a matter for me as Minister of State.
I am committed to the active involvement of civil society in the national drug strategy. Representation of family support networks will be considered in the context of broadening of civil society participation.