Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke has allocated funding of €1.5 million to sustain existing community-based drugs services and €800,000 (per annum over four years, a total of €3.2 million) to support the recovery of people from drug dependency.
The sum of €800,000 is provided to support the recovery of people from drug dependency and their integration into everyday life, with a particular focus on initiatives in areas such as employment, education, housing and family. The funding will also support peer-based recovery support and coaching, and the development of recovery communities. Recovery was clearly highlighted in the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use.
The Minister said €1.5 million is being provided for existing community-based drugs services that face increased demand and/or rising costs. The funding will be available on a recurring basis from 2025. This funding acknowledges the increased demand for drug treatment. The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), published by the Health Research Board, shows there were 13,104 cases in 2023, which is an increase of almost 50% from 8,922 in 2017.
