662. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to local drugs and alcohol forums in each of the years 2008 to 2022 and in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34854/23]

766. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost of returning funding to drug and alcohol taskforces to 2010 levels. [35161/23]

Minister of State at the Department of Health Hildegarde Naughton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 766 together.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and in coordinating action at local level, so that there is a targeted response to the problem of substance misuse in local communities.

Every effort has been made to protect the budgets of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces in recent years. In excess of €27.88m has been allocated to Task Forces by the HSE and the Department of Health for community-based drugs initiatives this year.

In 2008 the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs had responsibility for the funding of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. The Department of Health does not have detailed records of payments to Task Forces in 2008. The 2022 table of funding allocations for taskforces is attached. 

In 2023, €3.5m in recurring funding was provided to support existing community and voluntary providers of drugs and inclusion health services (see attached factsheet). Details and guidance on the administration of the €3.5 million are being finalised and I expect to make an announcement shortly. 

This funding will be in addition to the inflation funding of €3.9m for drug and inclusion health projects recently announced. This once-off payment recognises the impact of inflation on the cost of delivering services for community and voluntary groups. Further information can be found at gov.ie - Health Ministers announce €81 million in once-off funding for voluntary and community providers (www.gov.ie)