Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan for this question, which relates to an area in which she takes a keen interest. I am answering the quesiton on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, who is unavoidably detained.

Drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in local communities and in ensuring that a co-ordinated approach is taken across all sectors to address substance misuse based on the identified needs and priorities in their areas. The Department of Health is committed to supporting drug and alcohol task forces and provides in the region of €28 million to them annually through various channels of funding, including the HSE.

Measuring the overall effectiveness of the response to the drug problem is an important objective of Government policy. To this end, the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, commits to operationalising a performance measurement system for drug and alcohol task forces by 2020.

In March I announced additional funding of €1 million for the implementation of Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. This funding, which will be provided on a recurring and multi-annual basis, will address the priorities set down in the strategy including early harm reduction responses to emerging trends in substance misuse and improving services for groups with complex needs.

Recently the Minister of State held a consultation with drug and alcohol task forces and the HSE to hear their views on how best to target additional funding. She will shortly be notifying task forces regarding the allocation of this additional funding. This will include information on the guiding principles and the application process. I will also ask the Minister of State to write to the Deputy with more information in that regard.

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