…….Supporting the most vulnerable
• Tackle pressure points in the drug and alcohol treatment services and reduce waiting times – establishing a treatment service in Kildare and increasing capacity in other areas· New €250,000 programme to promote community awareness of alcohol-related harm
• Increasing the number of drug-liaison midwives to support pregnant women with substance misuse problems
• Improving access to in-reach services in emergency and temporary accommodation and the mobile health clinic to operate on a five-day week basis
• Improving access to primary care services for refugees arriving in Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres

Minister Byrne said “The Government is committed to making significant progress in implementing the actions identified as a priority for 2018 in the new strategy to respond to drug and alcohol use in Ireland “Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery”. The Government also intends to maintain a focus on the health needs of the most vulnerable groups in society, who can experience health inequalities, have difficulties accessing services and present with multiple, complex health and support needs. In this context, I am pleased to announce that significant additional funding has been approved to address the health needs of people who are homeless and have mental health and addiction issues in line with Rebuilding Ireland.

Minister Byrne continued, “I’m also pleased to see that we are committed to the Healthy Ireland Fund and that another €5 million will be available in 2018. The Fund will support partnership working in different sectors and communities to help ensure our policies under Healthy Ireland have an impact at local level. It’s important that we keep a focus on prevention and on empowering people and communities to improve their own health and wellbeing”.