Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I thank both Deputies for raising this issue. As far as I can figure out, this appears, by and large, to be a communications problem. I will read the reply I have to hand, which is a little long-winded.

In addition to operating the community employment scheme, FÁS also oversees the implementation of the community employment drugs rehabilitation programme which provides 1,000 places for recovering drug users. This special programme is part of the continuum of care to facilitate and support participants in their ongoing recovery from alcohol or drug misuse. The programme aims to enable those affected by substance misuse to address their addiction, while giving them an opportunity to upskill. It also supports participants during their work placement with a view to achieving sustainable employment. The nine-point special conditions for the delivery of the drugs rehabilitation places were originally agreed by FÁS following the recommendations of the Bruce report in 2004. This study evaluated the effect of special community projects in consultation with the community sector.

In early 2009 the community sector made representations to the then Office of the Minister for Drugs for a review of the procedures for the delivery of the original nine conditions. The matter was considered by the drugs advisory group which supports and drives the implementation of the national drugs strategy. Arising from the discussions at the drugs advisory group, FÁS was mandated to establish a working group to review the delivery procedures for the drug rehabilitation programme places. The working group was tasked with reviewing the nine points to ensure consistent and appropriate referral, delivery and implementation of the special conditions for the delivery of the 1,000 places. The group included representatives of all key stakeholders, including FÁS, the HSE, the national drugs rehabilitation implementation committee, the then Office of the Minister for Drugs, the community sector and the voluntary sector. It met five times last year to review and agree to the final procedures.

It was agreed that the representatives of the community sector would consult their constituent members on an ongoing basis. By way of example, the sector representatives, through Citywide, consulted their constituent groups, including community employment supervisors, throughout the life of the working group and fed into the decision-making process. As stated, the group also included representatives from the national drugs rehabilitation implementation committee, which ensured close links with the emerging care and case management framework.

The working group reported last December. It is important to note that the nine points have not been changed; rather, they have been restated and the referral process has been clarified. The agreed procedures also provide a guideline for FÁS in supporting and monitoring the implementation of the nine points. Briefing for FÁS staff is under way. FÁS personnel on local and regional drugs task forces are in a position to bring information from FÁS to the drugs task forces and update them on any relevant changes in organisational practices.

FÁS has presented a draft referral protocol to the national drugs rehabilitation implementation committee as recommended by the working group. Subject to feedback received, FÁS plans to pilot the protocol at three community employment rehabilitation sites. The aim of this process is to ensure there is a consistent and integrated approach nationally to the referral of individuals to community employment drugs rehabilitation programme places.

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