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

I am very much aware of the increased financial pressures being exerted on community-based drug and alcohol services as a result of inflation and the increased cost of living. The Senator outlined the case of the St. John Bosco Youth Centre in Drimnagh. The fact that the gas contract price has gone up from 2.5 cent per kilowatt hour to possibly 17 cent per kilowatt hour or from €700 to €4,900 per month is unsustainable. My officials and the Government are very aware of the matter. The additional operating costs for community-based drug and alcohol services and other section 49 services will be considered as part of the 2023 Estimates process.

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. It is a significant concern for these services and services across the board. My Department is taking this on board. The next two weeks will be interesting but we hope the matter will be addressed in the budget. I have brought this message very clearly to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance.