Speaking during Statements on implementing the National Drugs Strategy ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery; A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025’ in the Dail yesterday (28th June), the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD announced Government funding of €1 million for Q4 of 2018 to support and enhance services addressing drug and alcohol misuse nationwide.

This is once-off funding, which will be allocated in 2 parts;

€290,000 will be allocated to Taskforces in Q4 of 2018; broken down as follows;
€10,000 for each Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force
€15,000 for each Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force

In addition; €710,000 will be allocated by the HSE in consultation with the Task Forces who will be invited to make recommendations for the funding of priority projects and services and new initiatives in the 9 CHO areas.

Details on the procedures for administering the funding will be issued shortly.

Minister Byrne commented;

“This Government is committed to progressing the key actions outlined in our new national drugs strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’, launched in July 2017 by the Taoiseach, Minister Harris, and myself.

“I am very conscious of the growing demands and pressures on drug and alcohol treatment services around the country. Through my visits to many projects and services working on the frontline with people in addiction, and from discussions with my Oireachtas colleagues, I know that there are many worthwhile community projects seeking funding.

“I am therefore confident that this funding, which I am announcing today with the support of Minister Harris, will come on stream by the end of this year and will serve to support and enhance important services around the country.”