Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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926. To ask the Minister for Health if officials from the drugs policy unit of his Department have met with which addiction recovery support meeting event organisers and stakeholders regarding the reopening of addiction recovery support meetings and if so, if he will provide details of the meetings [27003/20]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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927. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on engagement between event organisers and stakeholders and the national drugs policy unit on the reopening of addiction recovery support meetings [27004/20]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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928. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the safe solutions being developed by the drugs policy unit in his Department [27005/20]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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929. To ask the Minister for Health if there is an addiction or recovery policy unit in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27006/20]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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931. To ask the Minister for Health the number of times the working group involving drug and alcohol task forces and providers meet; when it was established; if they will be publishing a report and if so, if he will provide a date for publication [27008/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 926 to 929, inclusive, and 931 together.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The restructuring of services, social distancing measures and self-isolation can be particularly difficult for those who are trying to remain drug or alcohol free and for those who are in recovery.

The Government plan for living with Covid-19 details how non-Covid health and social care services will be resumed, especially during the challenging winter months. This includes planning for the safe resumption of drug and alcohol services, including community-based services, residential programmes and recovery support groups.

As you are aware Dublin moved to level 3 from midnight on 19^thSeptember for a period of three weeks. Under the Plan no organised indoor gatherings can take place while level 3 restrictions are in place. This level 3 restriction applies to all indoor meetings. However, organised outdoor gatherings of up to 15 people are still permitted. 

It is important that addiction services take place in a safe environment to safeguard the health of service users and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 when level 3 restrictions are in place. 

I recently met with representatives of drug and alcohol task forces to discuss the restoration of drug and alcohol services. Officials from my Department have also engaged with Alcoholics Anonymous on the provision of guidance for their local group meetings.

I believe drug and alcohol services provide essential supports for people with addiction issues, including gambling. The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, TD and I are committed to the restoration of these essential addiction treatment services, as quickly as possible.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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930. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the development of a framework for the restoration of drug and alcohol services; the estimated publication date of same and if other addictions such as gambling will be included under this framework [27007/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The restructuring of services, social distancing measures and self-isolation can be particularly difficult for those who are trying to remain drug or alcohol free and for those who are in recovery.

The Government plan for living with Covid-19 details how non-Covid health and social care services will be resumed, especially during the challenging winter months. This includes planning for the safe resumption of drug and alcohol services, including community-based services, residential programmes and recovery support groups.

The Department has set up a working group with drug and alcohol service providers to develop a 'Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services', in a planned and appropriate manner in line with public health advice. The working group has identified issues on which guidance and supports are required. 

I have approved additional funding to support the resumption of drug and alcohol services including the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings and personal protective equipment.

I believe drug and alcohol services provide essential supports for people with addiction issues, including gambling. I expect to receive the Framework Document by the end of October.