1053. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he will accept a formal invitation issued to him by the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to formally meet with the members of the task force as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37998/22]

Minister of State at the Department of Health: On April 13th, I met representatives from two community drug projects in Tallaght – Jobstown Assisting Drug Dependency (JADD) and Community Action Response Programme (CARP). During this visit, I also met with HSE staff and with the chairperson and coordinator of the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force. I heard first-hand about the wide range of services provided for people who use drugs in the Tallaght area. I was informed about the challenges in providing community-based services for cocaine and crack cocaine users.

In January 2022, I announced €850,000 in recurring funding for a HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms associated with the use of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. This funding will support services in delivering evidence-based interventions and will increase training opportunities for staff in addiction services nationally. It will also improve the support provided to those affected by adverse health consequences of cocaine or ‘crack’ cocaine use.

Following a review of submissions from community healthcare organisations, the HSE has allocated funding of €200,000 to CHOs 3, 4, 7 & 9. In CHO 7, €140,000 is being allocated to establish a crack cocaine specific harm reduction service in JADD and a gender specific crack cocaine programme in CARP. These new services to be added to the already existing services of JADD and CARP.

I welcome the engagement of community-based services and CHOs in developing these initiatives. This partnership approach is at the heart of the national drugs strategy.