Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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1016. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the continued and future funding of a group (details supplied); the contacts he has had with the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52907/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Drug and alcohol task forces play an important role in identifying and coordinating responses to substance misuse priorities in local communities. Services provided by task forces are instrumental in assisting individuals and families in addressing addiction issues.

The group referred to by the Deputy was allocated €1,244,000 in 2021.

I recently met with task force representatives in early October to discuss additional funding for community-based services.

I will shortly be announcing details of €1m funding for community-based drug and alcohol services, which will be allocated on the basis of population needs across Community Healthcare Organisations. Drug and alcohol task forces will have a key role in prioritising how this funding will be used to enhance access to and provision of community services.

I have also secured an additional €6m for new measures to support the implementation of the national drugs strategy. A factsheet with details on this additional funding is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/001fc-budget-2022-factsheet/.

I am committed to working with drug and alcohol task forces to increase access to and provision of drug and alcohol services in the community.