John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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477. To ask the Minister for Health when funding allocations for drug and alcohol task forces will be announced; if there will be an increase in core funding to these task forces in view of the financial challenges many are facing having received no increase in funding in several years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42334/18]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem and in initiating appropriate responses, so that there is a coordinated approach involving all sectors to the problem of substance misuse in local communities.

Over €27.85m has been allocated to Task Forces by the HSE and the Department of Health for community-based drugs initiatives this year. This level of funding is consistent with the amounts provided for the last four years. This included an additional €540,000 in one off funding to the Task Forces to supports implementation of the national drugs strategy. In addition, Task Forces are being consulted on the provision of €710,000 in one off funding for priority projects and services in CHO areas.

Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the increased envelope of resources available in Budget 2019 for health services, my intention is to prioritise funding for community drug and alcohol projects in task force areas of greatest need, additional drug and alcohol midwives working with vulnerable mothers-to-be and enhanced treatment services to address existing and emerging needs. The full details of the allocation to task forces will be set out in the HSE 2019 national service plan.

It is intended that all Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces will be notified of their 2019 funding allocations by the Department and the HSE as soon as the HSE National Service Plan for 2019 has been approved by the Minister for Health.