Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

700. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 18 September 2020, the status of same. [31495/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 recently met with representatives of drug and alcohol task forces to discuss continued support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs. I confirmed my approval of additional funding to support the resumption of drug and alcohol services including the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings and personal protective equipment.

I will be announcing the details of this additional funding shortly.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

701. To ask the Minister for Health the length of stay per residential treatment episode under the allocation of 150 residential treatment episodes in budget 2021 [31496/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE has advised that an episode of medical detoxification treatment lasts approximately 6 weeks, but other residential treatment episodes may take longer in some cases. The estimated cost per treatment episode is €7,500.

I announced the provision of €1.125 million in funding as part of Budget 2021 to increase the number of residential treatments for those stabilising, detoxing and/or seeking drug-free services, in line with the Programme for Government. This additional funding will provide an additional 150 residential treatment episodes for people with severe drug and alcohol dependency across the country.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

702. To ask the Minister for Health the allocation given to addressing problem gambling in budget 2021. [31497/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for gambling regulation.

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services. People who present to the HSE for treatment for problem gambling are offered the same range of interventions as those who present with a drug and alcohol addiction, or a mental health concern, including an initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment, and individual counselling.

Separate funding is not provided to addiction services to develop a programme or intervention specifically for problem gambling.

I can confirm that an additional €4 million was provided for drug and alcohol services in Budget 2021.