Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. As the programme for Government acknowledges, drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in implementing the national drugs strategy and increasing access at local level to harm reduction initiatives. They also ensure that a co-ordinated approach is taken across all sectors to address substance misuse based on the identified needs and priorities in their areas.

I will examine how the Department of Health can continue to support task forces in identifying local need in communities and support targeted initiatives to address drug and alcohol misuse. These and other related commitments in the programme for Government will be considered in the budget for 2021. The immediate priority is to support the reintroduction of drug and alcohol services in line with public health advice and Covid-19. The Department of Health is working with relevant stakeholders to develop a framework for the safe return of services.

When the time is right and on the basis of public health advice on Covid-19, I would be delighted to visit the area and see at first hand the great work and the challenges and how we can help all the various stakeholders in future. I thank Deputy Smith for the invitation. It is one I hope to take up.

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