Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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440. To ask the Minister for Health the development of national training standards for all those involved in the provision of substance misuse services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/16]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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In line with action 47 of the National Drugs Strategy, a core objective of the HSE National Addiction Training Programme (NATP) is the development of national training standards for those involved in the provision of substance misuse services. The specific aims of the programme include the provision of training based on current evidence-based practice, prioritising training programmes to meet current and emerging service needs and ensuring adequate and appropriate validation for training. The NATP has drafted a Workforce Development Statement which outlines a strategic approach to staff development.

The HSE is continuing to roll out standardised training to support the implementation of the National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework, focusing on the delivery of screening and brief intervention, care planing and case management.