241. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to indicate how the recent funding announcement of €1.89 million through the Community Service Enhancement Fund will be distributed, and whether it will be allocated to community-based drug area task forces or to the HSE directly. [24098/25]

Colm Burke, Minister of State at the Department of Health:In April, I announced an additional €1.89 million in recurring funding to further enhance community-based drug services through the Community Services Enhancement Fund.

This additional funding will support drug services to meet increased treatment demand, with a focus on improving access to services in underserved communities, promoting evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and meeting the needs of people who use stimulant drugs.

This funding has been allocated to the 6 HSE Health Regions having regard to their population size and drug treatment demand.

HSE Health Regions, HSE Dublin & North East, HSE Dublin & Midlands, and HSE Dublin & South East are being allocated €378,000, while health regions HSE South West, HSE Midwest and HSE West & North West are being allocated €252,000.

It is expected that the HSE Health Regions will engage with service providers, including drug task forces and community-based services, within their area as part of the process of identifying need.

The funding will be allocated on three-year cycle, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation, to ensure that services are effective in addressing the needs of people who use drugs.

Further information and the guidance note, on this announcement can be found at the below link:

Minister Murnane O’Connor announces €1.89 million funding for community-based drugs services