Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Government policy in relation to drug and alcohol addiction services is set out in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery-a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025.

Action 2.1.19 commits to increase the range of progression options for recovering drug users and to develop a new programme of supported care and employment. A key component of progression is the community employment social inclusion schemes supported by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection allocates 1,000 on CE schemes to people in recovery. These drug rehabilitation projects play an important role in the rehabilitation, progression and reintegration into society of recovering drug users.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has recently established an interdepartmental group to examine the most appropriate organisation arrangements for community employment social inclusion schemes, including drug rehabilitation projects. The Department of Health is represented on the group.

I will consider the next steps in implementing action 2.1.19 in light of the recommendations of the interdepartmental group.