Health Services

Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Ceisteanna (410, 437)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

410. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he has identified gaps in service provision through the interactive map; and how he intends to resolve these. [26881/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

437. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health to provide a map of drug and alcohol services in provision in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26933/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Colm Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 437 together.

This month, I launched an interactive map of publicly-funded drug treatment and drug-related family support services, which can be accessed www.drugsandalcohol.ie/services_map

The online tool is a partnership between the Department of Health and the Health Research Board and marks the first time a visual database of services has been produced. It features 442 services in receipt of public funding, including services provided directly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) or community-based organisations and residential services funded via the HSE.

The map provides easily navigable information on local services for people looking to access services to address their drug or alcohol use, and for families and concerned others who are struggling to deal with a loved one’s drug or alcohol use. The map complements existing resources such as the drug and alcohol helpline and the drugs.ie website.

The publication of this 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 be 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