[Oireachtas] Dáil Éireann Debate. Written answer 1485, 1490 - Departmental data [19795/22] [19815/22]. (26 Apr 2022)
External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2022...
- Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which the various drug task forces are combatting the rise in drug abuse all over the country, with particular reference to open trading, injecting and usage of same; if it is possible to evaluate policy with a view to requiring that a reduction in use can be shown on foot of treatment programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19795/22]
- Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of drug task forces throughout the country; the extent of their operation over the past five years; the amount offered in support; the number of successful outcomes achieved in terms of a reduction in the reliance on drugs; the degree to which methadone is effective or ineffective as seen over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19815/22]
Minister of State at the Department of Health: Frank Feighan
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1485 and 1490 together.
The National Drugs Strategy ‘Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery sets out the Government’s strategy to address the harm caused by substance misuse in Ireland up to 2025. The Department of Health provides over €130 million to drug and alcohol services to support the strategy.
The Department currently provides €29 million to the 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces to deliver community-based drug and alcohol services in local communities. The Task Forces support over 280 community projects throughout the country to tackle drug and alcohol use and misuse. A table detailing the funding to each Task Force in 2021 is attached.
Drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in implementing the national drugs strategy at the local level. They assess the extent and nature of the drug problem and initiate appropriate responses, so that there is a coordinated approach involving all sectors to the problem of substance misuse in local communities and local communities are consulted in the design and deliver services.
As part of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy, a focused policy assessment of expenditure on drugs and alcohol services was carried out by the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), examining new data on trends and indicators in drug and alcohol for 2019/2020, and the impact of Covid-19 on drug and alcohol services. Further information is available at: assets.gov.ie/193826/4cea8a19-f991-4f92-8237-ee9fd1bf70ee.pdf.
HSE addiction services are responsible for the provision of opioid substitution treatment. Opioid substitution treatment supports patients to recover from drug dependence. HSE addiction services work within the national drugs rehabilitation framework to support progression pathways. The framework ensures that individuals affected by drug misuse are offered a range of integrated options tailored to meet their needs and to create rehabilitation pathways. The HSE implements an opioid treatment protocol, so as to provide appropriate and timely substance treatment and rehabilitation services tailored to individual needs.
There are over 11,000 on opioid substitution treatment, with an additional 1,000 clients given access to OST in 2020 and 2021 under the Covid-19 contingency plan for people who use drugs.
There is international research evidence that increased length of time in Opioid Substitution Treatment is associated with improved treatment outcomes and short-term methadone maintenance treatment is associated with poorer outcomes.
I believe that methadone treatment reflects the public health approach to drug and alcohol misuse set out in the National Drugs Strategy. It is an important tool to reduce harm and to aid people on their journey to recovery from drug use. I am committed to improving the availability of this treatment and to supporting service users to access progression pathways.
Allocations to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by the Department of Health and the HSE -2021.
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Policy > Policy on substance use
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Programme planning, implementation, and evaluation > Programme planning (strategy)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
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