Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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465. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department will offer to support the north Dublin regional drugs and alcohol task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13089/25]

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (DATFs) play a key role in implementing the national drugs strategy at the local/regional level. Their function is to assess the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and to develop and monitor the implementation of action plans to respond to the problem as identified.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces focus on the delivery of these objectives within a local/regional context so as to ensure the development of a coordinated and integrated response to substance use.

The Department of Health meets with the DATF networks quarterly to ensure good communication is maintained and to provide a forum for issues to be resolved.

In Budget 2025, an additional €4.2m was provided for new measures to support the implementation of the national drugs strategy. The Department of Health has published a factsheet on new funding provided for in Budget 2025 which can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/70bdf-minister-burke-announces-additional-40m-in-funding-for-drug-and-alcohol-services-and-inclusion-health/

I will shortly be announcing details of the additional €4.2m provided in Budget 2025. This new funding will enhance access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community, strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use among children and young people, and minimise the harms of drug use for families and communities.

I am very supportive of the role Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play under the National Drugs Strategy.