Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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1044. To ask the Minister for Health if discussions are taking place with drug alcohol task forces and projects given the commitment in budget 2021 to increase the core funding for existing drug task force services during 2021 and the widespread recognition that there will be a significant increase in demand for addiction services when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted; and if not, when these discussions will take place. [10579/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To support the development of the Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services, once-off funding of €480,00 was provided in November 2020 to support the provision of drug and alcohol services during Covid-19. The funding included the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings, and personal protective equipment. The 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.

Budget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health. This includes €1m for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces. This money will be used to expand services, especially in areas and communities that have limited access to services.

Over the last few months, I have met with drug and alcohol task forces to discuss support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs, including the challenges for people who use drugs during Covid-19. I will announce details of the new €1m funding in due course.