Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1093. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he is considering plans for the sustainable funding of the family addiction support network (FASN); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37165/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, recognises the role of families affected by drug use in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of effective addiction services. In Budget 2021,the Department of Health announced €280,000 in additional funding to support family services. This funding was used to develop and broaden the range of peer-led, mutual aid and family support programmes in accordance with best practice, in line with Strategic Action 16 of the National Drugs Strategy.
I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on Family supports across the Louth/Meath area, funded by the HSE and provided under contract by Merchant Quay Ireland (MQI).
MQI are allocated in the region of €109,000 by the HSE to provide family supports in the Louth/Meath area.
MQI Family Support Service in Louth/Meath have engaged with many community, voluntary and statutory services in the region including members of FASN. I understand from the HSE that MQI has advised FASN that it will accept referrals for family support across the Louth/Meath area.
I welcome that fact that that there are no current waiting list/times for families engaged with the MQI family support services in the area.
I have set out below information on funding allocated to FASN by the HSE in the period 2022 and 2023.
Family Addiction Support Network Allocations 2022 and 2023
|
- |
Louth Meath |
Cavan Monaghan |
|
2022 Allocation |
€7, 508 |
€7,500 |
|
2022 Once Off Allocations |
€29,635
Made up of:
€20, 000 (to support additional costs incurred around cost of living. However, by end of March 2023 FASN advised that this funding has not been fully spent yet)
€9,635 (once off allocation for identified training) |
€18,100
Made up of:
€12,000 (to support additional costs incurred around cost of living and training, conference etc)
€5,100 (additional costs for family support services)
€1,000 (inflationary costs) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022 Total allocations |
€37,143 |
€25,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
2023 Allocations |
€7,508 |
€11,868 |
|
2023 Once Off Allocations |
|
€40,000
(per year for 2023 and for 2024, to employ a full-time family support worker through the CSEF (Community Services Enhancement Fund) with a primary focus on the counties of Cavan & Monaghan, staff member is due to take up this position in mid- 2023. This will be recurring in 2024 also |
|
2023 Allocation |
€7,508 |
€51,868 |
