The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, and Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, have today announced a €22.5 billion health budget that will facilitate the continued delivery and expansion of quality, affordable healthcare services….. 

Budget 2024 also contains several health promotion and prevention measures through Healthy Ireland as well as funding for the continued implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. 

Minister Naughton said: "The health of the population depends not just on the delivery of quality healthcare, but also on the promotion of healthy lifestyles which help maximise our wellbeing. A key vehicle for achieving this is our Healthy Ireland Programme. Our budget for the fund in 2023 was just over €14 million, and I am delighted to announce today that I have secured an additional €2.3 million for 2024, bringing the total to some €16.5 million. This represents an increase of 16%.......... 

Minister Naughton added: "Since my appointment to the Department of Health just nine months ago I have met with people who use drugs, some of whom are living with addiction, their family members, loved ones and interest groups from right across the country. One key message I have received is that we need to change how we think about and tackle drug misuse and addiction here in Ireland. 

"This year I have already ensured that core funding for our Drug and Alcohol Taskforces and Section 39 organisations increased by €3.5 million. In addition, I provided €1.5 million in funding for the first time ever towards a drug and alcohol awareness programme. Preventative education is paramount in our fight against the misuse of drugs in Ireland. 

"For 2024, we will deliver ground-breaking services never before provided. They include Dual Diagnosis hubs which will support the recovery of young people with drug dependency and mental health issues, and dedicated funding for services for people on the road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, to support their integration into everyday life through housing, employment, education and other supports. 

"It is important to note that in the last two years alone funding for our Drug and Alcohol Taskforces has increased by almost €10 million. I am keen that we continue to build on this so as to ensure the fantastic care that is provided from within the community is supported. In total next year the State will invest in excess of €145 million on drug and alcohol addiction services."