Context and Key Developments 2013

During 2013 the work of the Project has been influenced in a number of ways by the ongoing national financial situation. Funding continues to be very restricted, with workers in BYAP on reduced staffing levels. The cuts in funding have also affected other agencies and services, leading to an overall reduction in resources available to individuals, families, and communities impacted by drug or alcohol use.

The impact of these cuts was highlighted in the Seminar "Responding to Addiction in a Time of Recession" which was organised by BYAP in June 2013, and the issue was given further attention through the launch of a Community Campaign in October 2013 by Citywide, who have also been working to put drugs clearly back on to the political agenda.

At the same time there is a growing effort to look at the better integration of services and the most effective use of resources. At a local level the Review of the Dublin North City and County Addiction Service Report produced by the HSE does recommend significant changes to the way addiction services are provided within the Region, and proposes the inclusion of both drugs and alcohol.