Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
862. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that additional funding is provided in 2022 for the North East Regional Drug Task Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51153/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, the North East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (NERDAFT) received funding of €937,813 to provide drug and alcohol services.
I have allocated €80,000 to improve access and provision of community-based drug and alcohol services. This part of an overall allocation of €1 million in Budget 2021 to support community-based drug and alcohol services. The Department of Health will shortly be announcing details of this funding programme. The funding will be allocated by community healthcare organisations in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces based on a population needs assessment.
Additional funding for drug and alcohol services is provided in Budget 2022. A factsheet on the new funding provided for in Budget 2022 which can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/001fc-budget-2022-factsheet/ . Further details on this funding will be set out in the HSE national service plan 2022.
I am committed to improving the availability of community-based drug and alcohol services in Drogheda and the North East region of Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. I encourage service providers to engage with the task force and the HSE to determine how best to allocate the additional resources in Budgets 2021 and 2022 to enhance services for the people affected by drug use issues in the region.
