Thomas Gould
Question:136. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the map of drug and alcohol services shows a gap in provision in large areas of the State; and his plans to remedy this. [25824/24]
View answerThursday, 13 June 2024
Questions (136)
Written answers
The publication of an interactive map of drug services is phase one of the audit of drug services being undertaken by the Dept of Health and the HRB. The audit is an action to support the implementation of the strategic action plan 2023-2024 for the national drugs strategy.
Phase two involves an analysis of current funding of drug treatment and drug related family support services and demand for same, based on
• Analysis of NDTRS, NDRDI and NDAS data to assess service demand.
• Data merge with Pobal depravation index as a proxy predictor of service demand.
• Geomapping of data to provide funding offices with information to plan service delivery.
Drug services are provided by the HSE and community and voluntary organisations. Many services have developed as a response to local demand, often under the auspices of drug and alcohol task forces. As a result, the model of service provision is fragmented and uneven. Access to services can often depend on geographical factors.
The intention is to engage statutory agencies that fund drug treatment services to (i) provide a snapshot of current funding levels and activities, and (b) to assist with gathering more detailed data on what is being provided in relation to the funding. NDTRS figures will also provide a measurement of activity levels.
The audit will map existing service provision against predicted treatment demand based on the Pobal depravation indices and NDTRS figures. Statistics from the National Drug & Alcohol Survey and the National Drug-Related Deaths Index will also inform this work. This information can then by used to inform the planning and funding of drug treatment and family support services in the HSE health regions.
I am committed to enhancing access to and delivery of drugs services in the community under the national drug strategy. Considerable resources have been invested in increasing provision of drug services in recent years. The audit of services will help to plan services in the new HSE health regions to meet population demand and to ensure equitable access across regions and communities.