341. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that will be allocated to the progression of peer support and recovery services; the way in which it will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52595/22]

Frank Feighan Minister of State at the Department of Health: Drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes play important roles in reducing the harms of substance use and supporting rehabilitation and recovery. They help individuals to build their recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use.

In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €10.5m for the national drugs strategy and inclusion health. The funding will be used to expand HSE healthcare services and to support community & voluntary organisations to improve access to health and social care services. Details of the additional funding are outlined in the attached factsheet.

I believe this additional funding will strengthen the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, through reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery for people who experience addiction to drugs and alcohol.