Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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119. To ask the Minister for Health the actions taken to date to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to examine how Government can continue to support drugs and alcohol taskforces in identifying local need in communities and support targeted initiatives addressing drug and alcohol misuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30254/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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In November 2020, the Department of Health provided once-off funding of €480,000 for 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.

€1 million was provided in additional funding in Budget 2021 for drug and alcohol task forces. It is intended that this funding will provide for the development of targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces in 2021.

The priorities emerging from the midterm review of the national drugs strategy, which is nearing completion, will inform key decisions on the allocation of this funding. It is envisaged that a scheme for the disbursement of this funding will be developed following the mid term review and that funding will be administered in Quarter 3.

Over the last year, I have met with representatives of drug and alcohol task forces to discuss ongoing support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs. I am committed to supporting targeted initiatives addressing drug and alcohol misuse.

I very much acknowledge the dedication and leadership that task forces, in association with drug and alcohol service providers, have shown in helping to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol use during COVID-19.