Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1482. To ask the Minister for Health the number of drug users referred to a methadone or similar programme over the past five years; the extent to which the outcome was satisfactory from the point of view of a reduction or cessation of dependency on drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19786/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1483. To ask the Minister for Health the reason that it is held that an increased use of illegal drugs by drug users is deemed to be successful; if it is anticipated that the usage is increased, that supply is increased and that families all over the country continue to suffer as a result; if methadone treatment is sufficiently safeguarded to bring about a reduction in drug use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19790/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1484. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which the use of illegal drugs continues throughout Ireland notwithstanding the various measures in place to curtail the activity; if efforts are being made to measure the extent of the availability of such drugs on the street to the obvious detriment of drug users and addicts throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19793/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1483 and 1484 together.

The National Drug and Alcohol Survey 2019/20 is funded by the Department of Health and managed by the Health Research Board. It provides information on alcohol, tobacco, and drug use amongst the general population in Ireland.

The survey findings show that, overall, the use of illegal drugs has remained similar to that recorded in the 2014/15. Cannabis which is still the most prevalent illegal drug used in Ireland, has shown a decrease from 6.5% to 5.9% when compared to the 2014/15 survey. However there was an increase in the use of cocaine and ecstasy.

The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, strategy provides an integrated public health approach to drug and alcohol use, focused on reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery. The recently completed mid-term review of the drug strategy shows significant progress in implementing the action plan for the period 2017 to 2020, with only a small number of the 50 actions outstanding.

Six strategic priorities have been identified for the remaining years of the strategy. The first strategic priority aims to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people.

Access and availability of drug services have been improved under the national drugs strategy, particularly services for women and people who are homeless, and those with heroin addiction. The Department provides over €150 million to provide drug and alcohol services every year.

Significant additional funding was provided to the HSE to provide for drug treatment services in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, a further €4.2 million was secured for the continued treatment of an additional 1,000 clients on opioid substitution treatment.

I am committed to the implementation of the health led approach to drug use and to supporting people on their journey to recovery.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1485. To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which the various drug task forces are combatting the rise in drug abuse all over the country, with particular reference to open trading, injecting and usage of same; if it is possible to evaluate policy with a view to requiring that a reduction in use can be shown on foot of treatment programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19795/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1490. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of drug task forces throughout the country; the extent of their operation over the past five years; the amount offered in support; the number of successful outcomes achieved in terms of a reduction in the reliance on drugs; the degree to which methadone is effective or ineffective as seen over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19815/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1485 and 1490 together.

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 €130 million to drug and alcohol services to support the strategy.

The Department currently provides €29 million to the 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces to deliver community-based drug and alcohol services in local communities. The Task Forces support over 280 community projects throughout the country to tackle drug and alcohol use and misuse. A table detailing the funding to each Task Force in 2021 is attached.

Drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in implementing the national drugs strategy at the local level. They assess the extent and nature of the drug problem and initiate appropriate responses, so that there is a coordinated approach involving all sectors to the problem of substance misuse in local communities and local communities are consulted in the design and deliver services.

As part of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy, a focused policy assessment of expenditure on drugs and alcohol services was carried out by the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), examining new data on trends and indicators in drug and alcohol for 2019/2020, and the impact of Covid-19 on drug and alcohol services. Further information is available at: assets.gov.ie/193826/4cea8a19-f991-4f92-8237-ee9fd1bf70ee.pdf.

HSE addiction services are responsible for the provision of opioid substitution treatment. Opioid substitution treatment supports patients to recover from drug dependence. HSE addiction services work within the national drugs rehabilitation framework to support progression pathways. The framework ensures that individuals affected by drug misuse are offered a range of integrated options tailored to meet their needs and to create rehabilitation pathways. The HSE implements an opioid treatment protocol, so as to provide appropriate and timely substance treatment and rehabilitation services tailored to individual needs.

There are over 11,000 on opioid substitution treatment, with an additional 1,000 clients given access to OST in 2020 and 2021 under the Covid-19 contingency plan for people who use drugs.

There is international research evidence that increased length of time in Opioid Substitution Treatment is associated with improved treatment outcomes and short-term methadone maintenance treatment is associated with poorer outcomes.

I believe that methadone treatment reflects the public health approach to drug and alcohol misuse set out in the National Drugs Strategy. It is an important tool to reduce harm and to aid people on their journey to recovery from drug use. I am committed to improving the availability of this treatment and to supporting service users to access progression pathways.

Allocations to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by the Department of Health and the HSE -2021