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

I thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for raising the issue. I welcome this opportunity to update the House on the closure of Hesed House in Inchicore.

I take this opportunity to reaffirm the Government's commitment to implementing the national drugs strategy, and its commitment to a health-led approach to drug use and the development of harm-reduction interventions in all communities. I am very aware of the important role that organisations such as Hesed House played under the drugs strategy in assisting families to cope with addiction issues through family therapy and counselling services.

I understand that Hesed House received €287,000 in public funding in 2020, with €108,000 from HSE addiction services, €132,000 from Canal Communities Drug and Alcohol Local Task Force, and €47,000 from Tusla. As the Deputy said, organisations entrusted and funded by the State to provide services on its behalf are accountable for that funding.

I understand that the HSE notified Hesed House on 1 December 2020 that it would cease funding the organisation at the end of June 2021 due to ongoing concerns over its governance and operation. Unfortunately, attempts by the HSE and the local drug and alcohol task force to contact and engage with the service to explore alternative arrangements for funding were unsuccessful.

All section 39 agencies part-funded by the Government are accountable to the State. Therefore, standards of governance, accountability, compliance and regulatory structures must be adhered to. The section 39 sector provides vital services for thousands of people throughout Ireland. I am very grateful for the work that is carried out by these providers on behalf of the HSE.

Sadly, the board of management of the service made a decision in May 2021 to close the service on 4 June 2021. I understand that the HSE became aware of this through Hesed House staff on 3 June.

A review of the service in 2018 highlighted the very small proportion of individuals attending Hesed House who were receiving care for addiction-related issues. As Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, I intend to do all that I can to ensure that the closure of Hesed House does not have a significant impact on people in Dublin 8, 10 and 12 accessing appropriate care, as the Deputy articulated very well.

I welcome the assurance by the HSE that a number of projects within the Dublin 8, 10 and 12 areas provide counselling and that any gaps in service provision will be addressed through these services. I have asked the drug's policy unit in my Department to liaise with the HSE with the aim of ensuring all service users of Hesed House gain access to alternative appropriate care in their area.

If any issues are outstanding, I ask the Deputy to email them to me and I will try to raise them within the Department. We are concerned about care and also about staff. If we can be of assistance on any issues at this difficult time, I would be only too happy to help.

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