Written answers

Thursday, 8 November 2018

Department of Health

National Drugs Strategy Budget

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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160. To ask the Minister for Health the process used to make a decision to increase or decrease an amount (details supplied); if this figure will increase for 2019; and his role in determining same. [46291/18]

Photo of Catherine ByrneCatherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The 'Drugs Initiative' allocation of €6.987 million in the Department of Health's Vote for 2018 and 2019 was determined as part of the 2018 and 2019 budget and estimates process approved by the Government.

In 2018 over €5.25 million was allocated to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by the Department of Health under the 'Drugs Initiative'. It is expected a similar amount will be allocated in 2019.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces will be notified of their 2019 funding allocations by the Department of Health and the HSE as soon as the HSE National Service Plan for 2019 has been submitted and approved by the Minister for Health.

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.

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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161. To ask the Minister for Health the process used to make a decision to increase or decrease an amount (details supplied); the provision for drug and alcohol task forces within this figure; if the figure for task forces within this heading will increase for 2019; and his role in determining same. [46292/18]

Photo of Catherine ByrneCatherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The HSE's National Service Plan 2018 sets out the type and volume of health and social care services to be provided by the Health Service Executive in 2018, having regard to the funding allocated.

The HSE's allocation to Task Forces in 2018 is in the region of €22.6 million, this includes one off funding of €0.25 million. In addition, Task Forces are being consulted by the HSE on the provision of €0.71 million in one off funding for priority projects and services in CHO areas in 2018.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces will be notified of their 2019 funding allocations as soon as the HSE National Service Plan for 2019 has been submitted and approved by the Minister for Health.

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.

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