Tallaght drugs and alcohol services
Deputy Lahart cited a new Tallaght task force report on substance misuse and asked whether the Government would replicate the Dublin north inner city approach. The Taoiseach called it a serious issue, outlined new funding for community-based drug and alcohol services, and said a more co-ordinated national approach was needed.
Yesterday, the Tallaght drugs and alcohol task force published a document, The landscape of substance misuse and its impact on the communities of Tallaght Drugs & Alcohol Task Force. I have a hard copy for the Taoiseach to peruse in his own time. I know he will agree when he has read it that it is a worrying and deeply concerning account and assessment.
The previous Government invested huge resources in Dublin's north inner city area. A senior public figure was appointed to investigate, report and make recommendations on what is needed in that part of Dublin. Significant policy resources were invested, key statutory bodies gave their support, agencies were established especially and exclusively to deal with the issues, and key personnel were appointed and seconded to assist in the work required. All of this was driven by the Office of the Taoiseach.
In Tallaght, we look on with envy. Does the Taoiseach agree that a similar approach is needed for parts of Tallaght?
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How might the Government propose to replicate that process?
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I thank the Deputy for raising a very important and serious issue. The report to which he referred highlights this serious issue, which has also been well profiled in media assessments of the report. The Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, will shortly be announcing funding of €1 million to increase access to, and the provision of, community-based drug and alcohol services. That will support the work of drug and alcohol task forces, with a proportion of it to be allocated to community healthcare organisation, CHO 7, which includes Tallaght and south-west Dublin. In budget 2022, the Minister provided an additional €6 million for new measures to support the implementation of the national drugs strategy and strengthen the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, as set out in the programme for Government.
The Tallaght drugs and alcohol task force receives annual Government funding of €1.2 million. Officials in my Department are working with the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, with a view to looking at an area-based approach again to the issue of drug misuse in areas of disadvantage.