833. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the schemes that exist for recognising the progress made by communities in relation to recovery from addiction, mental health difficulties and related issues; and whether there are there any public initiatives to recognise recovery at the level of villages, towns and other settlements (details supplied). [37500/25]

Colm Burke, Minister of State at the Department of Health: There is no national scheme under the ambit of this Department under which communities can apply to become a 'recovery community.'

However, the Department is aware of some local initiatives in this field, such as earlier this year Galway was designated as an Inclusive Recovery City. The Galway initiative is aimed at fostering a city-wide culture of inclusion, reducing stigma, and ensuring that recovery is visible, celebrated, and supported as an integral part of the city’s social fabric.

It is understood that the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, in collaboration with local organisations, people in recovery, and their supporters, were involved in developing the initiative with recovery seen as a collective effort, and not just an individual journey.

It is suggested that organisations wishing to get their area recognised as a recovery community may consider contacting their local Drug and Alcohol Taskforce or the Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce for more information.