Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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939. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a recent report (details supplied); if additional funding and resources will be provided to the organisation and other entities that work with those in need in the midlands to address this sharp increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52593/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The National Drugs Strategy ‘Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery’ sets out the Government’s strategy to address the harm caused by substance misuse in Ireland up to 2025. The Department of Health provides over €150 million to drug and alcohol services every year to support the strategy.

I am committed to increasing access to and provision of drug and alcohol services in line with the strategic priorities for 2021-2025 under the national drug strategy.

I secured an additional €6m in Budget 2022 for new measures to support the implementation of the national drugs strategy. This funding will be used to strengthen the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use and to support the strategic priorities for 2021-2025 identified in the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy (to be published shortly).

The Department of Health has published a factsheet on new funding provided for in Budget 2022 which can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/001fc-budget-2022-factsheet/.

€1.7m of this additional funding is allocated for measures to increase the availability of HSE drug and alcohol services on a nationwide basis. This will include services for people with alcohol addiction, people under 18 years, families affected by drugs, as well as rehabilitation and recovery programmes.

I am aware of Merchants Quay Ireland's (MQI) Annual Review 2020. I have seen at first hand the commendable work by MQI providing services to those who are the most marginalised. I was honoured to speak at the formal launch of the Cavan Monaghan Drug and Alcohol Service on behalf of Merchants Quay Ireland in September.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. I acknowledge the challenges faced by service providers during Covid-19 and will continue to support service providers to fully resume services.