Written Answers Nos. 775-798
775. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the additional funding that has been allocated towards the assessment of needs for children since the 3 April 2025 in order that no child has to wait over three years for an assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65951/25]
View answerThe Government recognises that there are unacceptable delays in accessing Assessments of Need. This Department and the HSE are committed to addressing these delays.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams, or Mental Health Services. However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, a reflection of both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options for accessing services for their child.
Over the past 2 years, there has been a noted improvement in the number of completed Assessments with over 4,100 completed in 2024, an increase of 30% compared to 2023. HSE data shows this trend is continuing with a 57% year-on-year increase in completed assessments in the first nine months of 2025.
This has been achieved by a number of measures, including the Assessment of Need Targeted Waitlist Initiative. This Initiative targets those families waiting longest for Assessments of Need, with the HSE reimbursing clinicians directly through the procurement of capacity from approved private providers. Budget 2026 provides for an additional €20m for the delivery of approximately 6,000 further clinical assessments. This will be in addition to over 6,300 clinical assessments commissioned since the initiative started in June 2024. Recent data provided by the HSE shows that 2,742 of these were commissioned in the period April to September 2025 at a cost of €11.7m.
While it is important to use private capacity to support the completion of Assessments of Need into 2026, we must ensure that the public system can meet the clearly growing demand. This Department is working with the HSE to ensure the delivery of actions to support the efficient delivery of Assessments of Need within the public system with funding of €0.5m allocated this year to support this work. This includes improved training for staff involved in the delivery of AONs, additional administrative supports, and changes to processes where necessary to ensure an efficient and effective system.
Work is also underway to identify relevant legislative changes relating to Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which addresses Assessment of Need. This aims to support the effective and efficient delivery of Assessments of Need.
It is intended to bring forward this legislation before the year end. It will not affect the statutory right of any individual to access an Assessment of Need or the statutory timeframes set out in the Act.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government
776. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current number of vacant posts within the children disability network teams in County Kerry; the recruitment strategies in place to fill these roles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65960/25]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
777. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if consideration will be given to opening applications for core funding early, as some childcare providers who have not increased their fees for a number of years are struggling to remain open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65991/25]
View answer778. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of former secretary general’s, retired civil servants, directors of service, retired city/county managers or those of a similar grade in her Department that have subsequently served on State boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66004/25]
View answerThe information requested is not available in this Department. The State Boards as part of Public Jobs has responsibility for managing an open and transparent system to identify eminently qualified candidates for the boards of State Agencies. The State Boards process operates under the Guidelines on appointment to State Boards 2014.
779. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the actions her Department is taking in response to reports from early-years childcare operators that rising costs are placing unsustainable pressure on services, resulting in over 150 creches withdrawing from the Government scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66026/25]
View answerIt should be noted that of the 507 services that withdrew from Core Funding in the first three years of the scheme, 356 of these services were contracted to Core Funding as of August 5, 2025 - meaning over 70% of services who withdrew, subsequently returned to Core Funding.
The Department, through the local Childcare Committees, engage directly with any such services to highlight the benefits of staying in Core Funding, not only for their services but also for the families who avail of them. The Department is hopeful that other providers may reconsider their decision, as so many others have over the past three years.
Core Funding is a supply-side grant to early learning and care (ELC) and/or school-age childcare (SAC) providers towards their operating costs. It is designed to deliver:
• Affordability for parents through ensuring no increases in fees, capping the maximum fees that can be charged, and offering the National Childhood Scheme (NCS) and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme to all eligible children;
• Quality in services, including through better terms and conditions for staff and supporting graduate leadership in services, to strengthen practice and delivery of high-quality experience for children; and
• Sustainability for providers through substantially increased funding to the sector, paid on a consistent and equitable basis.
When first introduced in 2022, Core Funding had an annual allocation of €259 million. That annual allocation has increased each year since and has exceeded €390 million for year 4 of the Scheme, which started in September. This represents an increase of over 50% in Core Funding in three years.
I was delighted to announce further investment in Core Funding in Budget 2026. The additional funding being made available in 2026 will see the allocation for Core Funding in the next programme year which begins in September 2026 increase to almost €437 million. That is an additional €44 million on the current full year allocation, or an 11% increase.
This increased investment will allow for further increases in capacity across the sector, and will support Partner Services in adhering to the fee management conditions of the grant including reductions in the maximum fee caps from September 2026. This will guarantee that Core Funding’s monetary protections will continue to be passed on to families while ensuring sustainability and stability for the sector.
In addition to this increased allocation, being in Core Funding unlocks additional supports for services to access, including access to enhanced support for services caring for concentrated numbers of children facing disadvantage through Equal Start and opportunities to apply for capital grants through the Department.
The base rates in Core Funding have been developed using the various components associated with the cost of delivery of service provision such as: staff pay and conditions (including contact and non-contact time, holiday pay, sick pay and other employer costs such as pension contributions); administrative staff/time, and non-staff overhead costs. These components have been factored into the calculation of the budget for Core Funding since the scheme began in 2022.
Although the cost of delivery components such as improvements to staff pay have been used to derive the base rates, the eligible areas of expenditure of the Core Funding grant are much broader. Partner Services can choose how to spend their Core Funding grant in accordance with the approved areas of expenditure outlined in the Funding Agreement.
In addition to the increased level of Core Funding for year 4 of the scheme and in Budget 2026, there are wider financial supports available from the Department where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability, which can be accessed while remaining within Core Funding.
Once a service engages with their local City/County Childcare Committee, they will be able to avail of supports through the case management process, this support can take the form of general operational supports as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to the individual circumstances of a service.
The Department also offers Sustainability Funding to services where issue/s have been identified through the Case Management process that have the potential to have serious consequences for their viability. As part of the Case Management process, in which local City or County Childcare Committees (CCCs) assist services with issues and difficulties that arise, the CCC may refer Core Funding Partner Services facing difficulties to Pobal and the Department to be considered for Sustainability Funding.
The Department of Children is aware that a small number of service providers have regrettably chosen to withdraw from the Core Funding scheme. However, uptake of Core Funding remains strong. The fourth year of Core Funding began on 1 September and as of 20 November there were over 4,550 services signed up to Year 4 of Core Funding, a 5 per cent increase on this time last year. This is the highest number of Partner Services in Core Funding at any point since the scheme was launched in 2022 and the number continues to grow.
780. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps her Department will take to address the warnings from childcare operators that parents' bills could rise to €1,400 per month due to support funding not keeping pace with costs, leading to fears of closures across the sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66027/25]
View answerCore Funding has seen consistent increased State investment to the sector year on year and has exceeded €390 million for Year 4 of the scheme, which started in September. This is an increase of over 50% since the scheme began in September 2022 with an allocation of €259 million.
I was delighted to announce further investment in Core Funding in Budget 2026. The additional funding being made available in 2026 will see the allocation for Core Funding in the next programme year which begins in September 2026 increase to almost €437 million. That is an additional €44 million on the current full year allocation, or an 11% increase.
This increased investment will allow for further increases in capacity across the sector and will support Partner Services in adhering to the fee management conditions of the grant including reductions in the maximum fee caps from September 2026. This will guarantee that Core Funding’s monetary protections will continue to be passed on to families while ensuring sustainability and stability for the sector.
In addition to this increased allocation, being in Core Funding unlocks additional supports for services to access, including access to enhanced support for services caring for concentrated numbers of children facing disadvantage through Equal Start and opportunities to apply for capital grants through the Department.
In addition to the increased level of Core Funding for year 4 of the scheme and in Budget 2026, there are wider financial supports available from the Department where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability, which can be accessed while remaining within Core Funding.
Once a service engages with their local City/County Childcare Committee, they will be able to avail of supports through the case management process, this support can take the form of general operational supports as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to the individual circumstances of a service.
The Department also offers Sustainability Funding to services where issue/s have been identified through the Case Management process that have the potential to have serious consequences for their viability. As part of the Case Management process, in which local City or County Childcare Committees (CCCs) assist services with issues and difficulties that arise, the CCC may refer Core Funding Partner Services facing difficulties to Pobal and the Department to be considered for Sustainability Funding.
In return for the significant State investment that is available through Core Funding, services signing up to the Scheme agree to abide by a system of fee management, to ensure that affordability measures and increased investment are passed on to parents/guardians.
This began with an effective fee freeze from September 2022. In return for significant funding through the scheme, Partner Services agree not to raise their fees above what was charged to parents as on 30 September 2021. Maximum fee caps were then introduced for new entrants beginning in Year 3 of the Scheme. The maximum fee caps have since been reduced and extended to all new and existing Partner Services in Year 4.
€20.6 million in brand new full-year funding was secured in Budget 2026 to support providers in adhering to Core Funding fee management conditions, including further reductions in the maximum fee caps in the fifth year of the Scheme. This will guarantee that Core Funding’s monetary protections will continue to be passed on to families while ensuring sustainability and stability for the sector.
These latest developments in Core Funding build on a range of supports already in place.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme provides two years of preschool without charge and has participation rates of 96%. Over 70% of families on low income report they could not send their child to preschool without it.
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) complements ECCE, giving universal and targeted subsidies to reduce costs to parents. Recent improvements include the extension of the universal subsidy to children under 15 and two increases to the minimum hourly subsidy, now worth €96.30 per week for 45 hours.
Almost 220,000 children benefited from a subsidy in 2024. Since last September, children in childminding settings can also benefit from National Childcare Scheme subsidies.
Work is also under way to develop an Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare system, informed by stakeholder consultation. This will set out future steps to reduce the cost of childcare further to €200 per month.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs are encouraged to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee who can support and advise them on options in their area. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country are in a position to match children and families to services operating with vacant places and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.
The Department has a list of all Core Funding Partner Services which is updated regularly on the Department’s website under How to Find a Partner Service: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/how-to-find-a-partner-service/.
Parents/guardians can also use the following website to find Core Funding Partner Services in their area: Childcare Service Search Applicant Portal: www.ncs.gov.ie/en/childcare-search/.
Data from the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate on new service registrations and service closures showed a net increase of 226 in the overall number of services in 2024, including the lowest number of service closures in the past six years.
781. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which a community group can establish a family resource centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66036/25]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme and therefore the commissioning of new centres is an operational matter for Tusla.
A central feature of the Family Resource Centre Programme is the involvement of local people in identifying needs and developing needs-led responses. This often takes the form of community groups supporting the development of an organisation that can provide services similar to that of FRC Programme members.
As part of the most recent Tusla application process which took place in mid-2025, the below criteria were established to determine eligibility to join the Programme:
• Willingness to engage with Tusla on funding for children and family support services.
• It is desirable for a Board of Management to be in place (as opposed to a partnership company). Where a Board of Management is not in place, successful organisations will be timebound to form their own Board of Management with the capacity to develop services.
• Have existing facilities suitable to deliver the programme.
• Demonstrate the ability to deliver outcomes driven service based on evidence based or evidence informed delivery model.
• The absence of a sustainable alternative service providing a range of services similar to those provided by existing FRCs.
• CYPSC Plan and/or Tusla Area Commissioning Plan, will be considered where in place.
• Evidence of a large population or socioeconomically disadvantaged population currently without a sufficient service to meet needs.
• Evidence of a lack of locally available services to provide a range of children and family supports reflective of the local community.
Organisations that wish to join the Family Resource Centre Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance to highlight their interest in the Programme
782. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE speech and language therapists employed; the number of approved WTE speech and language therapists positions; the number of children under 18 waiting to be seen; the length of time they are waiting to be seen, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66056/25]
View answer783. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE occupational therapists employed; the number of approved WTE occupational therapists positions; the number of children under 18 waiting to be seen; the length of time they are waiting to be seen, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66058/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 782 and 783 together.
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
784. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of occupational therapists currently employed by the HSE in the southeast region; the number of OT’s approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66062/25]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
785. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount her Department and any body under her aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66072/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. We are currently collating the requested information and will revert back in due course.
786. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount her Department and any body under her aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66090/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. Below, in tabular form, is the information requested. There was no spend in 2020, 2022, 2023 or in 2025
|
Year |
Value |
|
2021 |
8850.22 |
|
2024 |
733.05 |
Please note that the above figures relate to cost incurred by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
For detailed information on costs incurred by agencies under the Department's remit, members are advised to contact the agencies directly.
787. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to facilitate the opening of a respite care centre 24 hours per day, 7 days of the week (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66159/25]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
788. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of legal cases parents have taken against the HSE due to assessment of needs not being delivered within the statutory six months, in each of the years 2020 to 2025; the legal costs for the HSE associated with this, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66230/25]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
789. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide the Department’s annual expenditure on State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025. [66342/25]
View answerPlease see below table on DCDE’s reimbursements of State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025:
|
Year |
Total (€) |
|
2020 |
131,041.56 |
|
2021 |
1,237,605.10 |
|
2022 |
558,842.57 |
|
2023 |
1,254,773.63 |
|
2024 |
1,412,191.35 |
|
2025* |
2,151,090.66 |
|
|
6,745,544.87 |
* To 14 November 2025
790. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health to recognise student nurses as essential workers during placement; provide fair financial support or pay for the hours worked to ensure that no student is forced into unsafe levels of combined work simply to survive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65231/25]
View answerA key Government priority is to protect and support the education of all students, including student nurses and midwives.
During years 1-3 of Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery BSc Education Programmes, undergraduate student nurses and midwives complete clinical practice placements as supernumerary students.
Supernumerary practice placement is the optimum clinical learning environment, providing student nurses supervised placement periods of varying lengths during each year of their training. This ensures that students can safely learn, observe and participate in the wide variety of clinical skills required for qualification. These students are not employees and are additional to the workforce in a learning capacity and are therefore not paid.
The final year internship placement for student nurses and midwives consists of a continual 36-week rostered clinical placement. The internship placement is a paid placement and individual student nurses and midwives are considered as 0.5 WTE of the workforce. They are the only healthcare students who are paid a salary. This is in recognition of the fact that they work under reduced supervision which remains in place to support final learning weeks.
Clinical placement supports were examined in 2021 with a number of additional supports now in place to enhance the travel and subsistence available to student nurses during their supernumerary placements. Additional supports are also provided for students beginning their internships including the provision of additional uniforms and a uniform laundry allowance where required
791. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the implementation of the new transport support scheme to replace the motorised transport grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66033/25]
View answerThe matters raised in this question fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Accordingly, it is suggested that the question be redirected to that Department for reply
792. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the age intervals at which developmental checks of newborns and infants should be offered by public health nurses; the examinations done at each of these intervals; the intervals which are P1, P2 and P3 checks; if services up to P3 checks are being offered to children in Adamstown, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan, Rowlagh, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart, Citywest, Brittas, Fettercairn, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66264/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
793. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the percentage of children who received developmental checks carried out within 72 hours, at three months, at six months, at 12 months, at 24 months, at 48 months, across the state, in the Dublin midwest, by year from 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66265/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
794. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health to provide a detailed list of all addiction rehabilitation services currently available in the State; the name and location of each facility; the bed capacity; whether it caters for male, female, or mixed gender clients, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65139/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy may wish to consult a directory of drug and alcohol services per county on www.drugs.ie/services or an interactive map which provides contact details for 456 services and information on the types of treatment available on www.drugsandalcohol.ie/services_map
795. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current level of demand for addiction treatment and rehabilitation services in Ireland; the number of individuals entering treatment annually; the main substances involved; the regional variations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65140/25]
View answerThe National Drug Treatment Reporting System (www.hrb.ie/publications/?filter-scheme-28=addiction-treatment) is the national surveillance system that records and reports on cases of drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland. It is compiled annually to provide information on treatment demand and provides important data to allow services to deliver what is required.
A key strategic priority of the National Drugs Strategy is to enhance access to, and delivery of, drugs services in the community. Demand for and access to services has increased during the period of the current strategy.
Data published in the 2024 National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows that there was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024. This continues the upward trend in treatment cases and demonstrates the impact of the National Drugs Strategy in enhancing access to drug services, with an increase of 50% in cases since the strategy began in 2017.
The data shows that the demand for drug treatment is across all regions of the country, all age groups, men and women, people with children and those without, and those who are unemployed as well those in employment.
The report highlights key trends in problem drug use, which services are responding to in a dynamic and flexible way:
• an increase of 7.4% in the number of cases where cocaine was the main drug (to 39.8% of all cases).
• Cocaine was the most common drug reported in 2024, accounting for 39.8% of all cases, and a 7.4% increase from 2023 (5,289 versus 4,923 cases).
• Cocaine remains the most common main drug among new cases, accounting for almost one-half (46.8%) in 2024.
• For previously treated cases, cocaine accounted for 35.8% of cases, the highest number recorded to date.
• Opioids (mainly heroin) were the second most common main problem drug reported. The number of cases fell by 519, from 3,845 in 2023 to 3,326 in 2024.
• Heroin accounted for 84.9% of all opioid cases in 2024.
• Cannabis was the third most common main drug reported.
• The type of drug for which treatment was sought varied by age and this has changed over time.
• Among cases aged 19 years or under, cannabis was the main drug generating treatment demand.
• those aged 20–44 years, cocaine was the main drug generating treatment demand.
• Opioids were the main drug generating treatment demand among those aged 45 years or over.
• The proportion of new cases (never treated before) was 35.9%.
• The majority of cases were treated in outpatient facilities (70.1%).
The cases reported in the NDTRS are from a record number of 456 drug services, these services are available throughout the country and can be found on an online interactive map (www.drugsandalcohol.ie/services_map) on www.drugsandalcohol.ie. The map lists services for different types of drugs, age groups, location, and treatment provided.
Patterns of drug use are evolving, with more people using cocaine and benzodiazepines, and fewer dependent on opioids. It is also noticeable that polydrug use is increasing. Government has invested additional resources in services with high demand. Drug services are also demonstrating their responsiveness to changing patterns of drug use.
The vast majority of treatment services (80%) are provided in the community, either in out-patient facilities and in low threshold settings. These services are easier to access, have minimal waiting times, and can connect cases to primary healthcare services where this is required.
Further information is available at www.drugsandalcohol.ie/43052/1/HRB-NDTRS-Drug-Bulletin-Statlink-23.pdf.
I secured an additional €2 million to expand drug treatment services in 2025. This significant investment aims to improve access to services in underserved communities, promote evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and enhance services for people who use stimulant drugs and those who have a dual diagnosis with mental health. The funding was recently allocated to the six HSE health regions, with service priorities to be identified in consultation with Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and other relevant stakeholders.
I announced an additional €11 million in recurring funding for drugs and inclusion health services in Budget 2026. The allocation includes €4 million for service enhancement measures and will address regional disparities in availability of drug and inclusion health services, with a strong focus on the provision of services in disadvantaged and rural areas. It also aims to enhance prevention measures, including through early intervention measures to improve child health and well-being.
Further information on the budget announcement is available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/press-release-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-funding-for-drugs-and-inclusion-health-for-2026/.
796. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for admission to residential addiction rehabilitation services; the measures being taken to address capacity constraints;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65141/25]
View answer798. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of addiction rehabilitation facilities that provide gender-specific programmes or services for women with children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65143/25]
View answer800. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of residential addiction rehabilitation beds available specifically for women, including those that cater for women with children; the locations of these facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65145/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 796, 798 and 800 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible
797. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to addiction rehabilitation services in 2025; the projected increase in funding under the forthcoming National Drugs Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65142/25]
View answerThe development of the successor national drugs strategy, and a two-year action plan to support its delivery, is being overseen by a Steering Group
(https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-murnane-oconnor-attends-inaugural-steering-group-meeting-to-oversee-the-development-of-the-new-national-drugs-strategy/) led by independent chair Dr Sarah Morton. I expect to consider a draft of the successor national drugs strategy by the end of 2025.
As work on the strategy is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to prejudge the outcome of the process or comment on investment plans to support it, at this time.
Budget 2025 provided an additional provides €4.2m for new drugs initiatives, including €2m for community based drug services to be expanded to meet increased treatment demand, with a focus on improving access to services in underserved communities, promoting evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and meeting the needs of people who use stimulant drugs, and those who have a dual diagnosis. An additional €1m was provided for integrated community alcohol services, €0.4m for harm reduction initiatives and €0.5m for Drug prevention and public awareness campaigns.
Further information on the budget announcement is available at [Minister of State Colm Burke announces additional €40 million in funding for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-of-state-colm-burke-announces-additional-40-million-in-funding-for-drug-and-alcohol-services-and-inclusion-health/) .
Information on the €1.89m Community Service Enhancement Fund announcement is available at [Minister Murnane O’Connor announces €1.89 million funding for community-based drugs services] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-murnane-oconnor-announces-189-million-funding-for-community-based-drugs-services/) .
Recently, I announced an additional €11 million in recurring funding for drugs and inclusion health services in Budget 2026. Highlights include €0.75m to improve access to Buprenorphine in OAT services, €0.2m to enhance strategic workforce planning for drug services, €0.33m to increase treatment capacity for under-served populations and €0.1m for other drug initiatives.
Further information on the budget announcement is available at [Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy announces funding for drugs and Inclusion Health for 2026] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/press-release-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-funding-for-drugs-and-inclusion-health-for-2026/) .
The additional funding I have secured for 2026 will address disparities in access to drugs and inclusion health services across the six HSE health regions. The new measures will drive health equity for groups at risk of poverty and social exclusion and enhance health and well-being.
We are paving the way for the implementation of the successor national drugs strategy, expanding capacity in services all across the country and mainstreaming successful pilot initiatives.
