779. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the appointment of a new co-ordinator for the Finglas-Cabra local drug and alcohol task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54651/23]
780. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of staff employed by each drug and alcohol task force; and the number at each staff level. [54950/23]

Minister of State at the Department of Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 779 and 810 together.

As this 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.