Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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2271. To ask the Minister for Health the number of social prescribers by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20365/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Social prescribing is a great example of what can be achieved by taking a holistic approach to healthcare solutions. It provides wonderful supports for mental health and social connection and very much aligns with the visions for Sláintecare and Healthy Ireland, to ensure that more sustainable approaches to the provision of health and social care services are developed into the future.

The HSE has been developing social prescribing further in recent years and continues to expand its reach in this area. Furthermore, the Sláintecare Integration Fund and Healthy Ireland Fund have been supporting a number of Social Prescribing programmes, including Social Farming, in Dublin, Waterford, Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo, Leitrim, Wicklow, Cork and Kerry.

With regard to the specific details sought, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.