829. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the actions, funding and resources provided by the Government to tackle substance addiction; if he will detail in tabular form, for each local health office area, funding provided for each; the number of residential detox beds available in each; and the number of people on waiting lists for detox beds. [55282/23] 

Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Health: The Strategic Action Plan for the National Drugs Strategy 2023-2024 is based on the six strategic priorities identified following the mid-term review of the strategy in 2021. The action plan was developed by strategic implementation groups reporting to the national oversight committee. A progress report for the first year will be published in due course. 

The HSE spends over €140m on Drug-related-expenditure each year. To support the implementation of the national drugs strategy, an additional €4m million was provided in Budget 2024, to expand drug services in the community. See the following links: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4e5630-reducing-harm-supporting-recovery-2017-2025/#the-strategic-action-plan-for-the-national-drugs-strategy-2023-2024 and
www.drugsandalcohol.ie/39724/1/Factsheet.pdf 

As the remainder of this question refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response. As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.