Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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418. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the pre-budget submission by an organisation (details supplied) calling for four specific actions in respect of the expansion of addiction services to women with children seeking recovery; if his officials have examined these proposals; his plans in respect of these four actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42034/18]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Health does not directly fund the Organisation referred to in the Details Supplied by the Deputy. The organisation does however receive funding from the HSE and drug and alcohol task forces.

The Department has noted the contents of the pre-budget submission from the Organisation. The proposals in the submission fall under the remit of a number of government departments and agencies.

The progression of the health related proposals outlined in the submission can be considered by the HSE in the context of its deliberations on priorities for the 2019 National Service Plan.

Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the increased envelope of resources available in the health budget, 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.