Minister Burke announces €2.3m in funding for community drug services and recovery support
This funding acknowledges the increased demand for drug treatment (Photo by Alex Green via Pexels)
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke has today announced the allocation of 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.
Eight hundred thousand euros 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.
Minister Burke said: “I recognise that the concept of ‘recovery’ involves more than just control over substance use. It requires better mental and physical health, but just as importantly it involves the development of a meaningful life. Recovery is a process that often takes time to achieve and effort to maintain. Medical interventions and professional treatment services only form one part of the total picture.”
Minister Burke believes that people with lived experience, as important stakeholders, have a key role to play in contributing to the planning, design, and delivery of effective recovery services.
For this reason, Minister Burke wants to emphasise the need for peer-led initiatives to be funded using the resources announced today.
“I have seen firsthand the importance of celebrating individuals living lives in recovery and recognising the dedicated workers who provide the prevention, treatment and recovery support services that make recovery possible for many.”
Additionally, the €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.
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.
“Over the last number of years there has been a concerted effort to expand services to meet demand and I want to acknowledge the work of service providers, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and individual projects throughout the country,” notes Minister Burke.
This funding will support a strategic approach to service planning in the new HSE health regions, in line with the Slaintecare reform programme.
Minister Burke is confident that this new funding will assist the health regions to plan and deliver drug services around the specific needs of people in their area, further improve how services are run, strengthen local decision-making and provide consistent quality of care.
