Written answers

Tuesday, 25 September 2018

Department of Health

National Drugs Strategy

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

380. To ask the Minister for Health the criteria which will be used over the next two years to determine the level of funding required by each local and regional drug task force during the development of a performance measurement system to improve accountability across all sections of local and regional drug task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38892/18]

Photo of Catherine ByrneCatherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Measuring the overall effectiveness of the response to the drug problem is an important objective of public policy. Resources should be direct towards interventions and strategies which are most likely to lead to a reduction in problem substance use and an improvement in public health, safety and well-being.

The national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery,commits to operationalising a performance measurement system by 2020. The system is primarily concerned with the net effects of the drugs strategy at the population level, in particular the effects on the health, well-being and quality of life of people living in drug and alcohol task force (DATF) areas.

The performance measurement system incorporates a resource allocation model to enable DATF funding to be allocated on a more equitable and rational basis, which takes account of underlying need in local areas and targets those communities which face a higher risk of substance misuse. The criteria to be used to determine the allocation of resources to task forces will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including DATFs.

I am committed to supporting the valuable work of the drug and alcohol task forces. For that reason, I recently allocated an additional €290,000 for task forces. In addition, task forces are being consulted on the allocation of €710,000 for priority projects and services to address drug and alcohol misuse in community healthcare organisation areas.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.