Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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1179. To ask the Minister for Health if recovery support programme meetings are to be allowed continue under current level 5 committees. [32536/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Updated guidance was published on 22 October for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes and other addiction treatment services, to ensure that they continue to operate safely under Level 5 of the national framework for living with Covid-19.

Individuals should adhere to the public health advice and restrictions at level 5, including staying at home and restricting movements to within 5km of home, except for their attendance at support groups and treatment programmes, and other specified exceptions.

The guidance is available at: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/17d32f-drugs-and-alcohol-policy/.

I fully recognise the vital role played by drug, alcohol support groups and treatment programmes in reducing the harms of substance use and supporting rehabilitation and recovery. They help individuals to build their recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use.