Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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665. To ask the Minister for Health if further Covid-19 funding will be provided to local and regional drug and alcohol taskforces. [5213/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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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.

In July 2020 the Department 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. The Framework document is being updated to reflect the latest level 5 plus restrictions.

In response to the issues identified by the working group, the Department provided once-off funding of €480,00, in November 2020. This funding was aimed at supporting the restoration of drug and alcohol services including the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings and personal protective equipment.

This funding was allocated to the network of 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces for distribution to community and voluntary drug and alcohol services in their areas. Each task force could apply for up to €20,000 in once-off funding to meet Covid-19 related costs.

The working group will report on the impact of this funding on drug and alcohol services in the near future. The report will help to assess if further funding is required.

I have asked officials to keep me informed on progress on this important issue. I will be advised by the working group, in due course,  on whether further financial supports are required on this issue.