Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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208. To ask the Minister for Health whether he is aware of emerging trends in increased need in hard-to-reach populations in the addiction service; and whether specific funding will be made available to ensure services are properly resourced to support these. [40425/24]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) is the national surveillance system that records and reports on cases of drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland. It is compiled annually to provide information on treatment demand and provides important data to allow services to deliver what is required.

NDTRS data for 2023, published by the Health Research Board, shows there were 13,104 cases in 2023 compared to 12,009 in 2022.

From 2017 to 2023, the biggest change in treatment demand patterns was due to cocaine (both powder and crack). Over half of all cases (56.9%) reported polydrug use (problem use of more than one substance). The proportion of all cases that reported ever injecting decreased year on year, from 29.7% in 2017 to 20.3% in 2023.

It is a strategic priority in the national drugs strategy strategic action plan 2023-2024 to enhance access to and delivery of drug and addiction services in the community.

Estimated public expenditure on drug and addiction services in 2024 is €163m. This includes an additional €6m in 2024 to expand drug services in the community. This funding is being used to develop new services for young people with drug dependency and mental health issues, to expand community-based drug services for existing and emerging drug trends, and to support people in recovery and to provide services for people with problem gambling and gaming. Additional funding is being provided to develop a gender-specific drug treatment services for women with complex needs.

Budget 2025 provides an additional €4.2m to expand community-based drug and alcohol services to meet increased treatment demand, with a focus on improving access to services in underserved communities, promoting evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and meeting the needs of people who use stimulant drugs, and those who have a dual diagnosis. Further information is available here: gov.ie - Minister of State Colm Burke announces additional €40 million in funding for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health (www.gov.ie).

The funding I have secured will allow for targeted investment across a range of areas to ensure equitable access to drug and alcohol supports for everyone who needs them. It’s very clear that the drugs market is changing, and our health service must be adequately resourced to meet the threat of new and emerging drug trends.

I have taken account of the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use. The funding I have secured in Budget 2025 reaffirms the government’s commitment to a health-led response to drug and alcohol use for individuals, families and communities.