Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
47. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health about the preventative measures in healthcare for addiction; the level of spending planned on these services for this coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18482/23]
View answerDrug prevention is a key pillar in our health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, that seeks to reduce the harmful use of drugs and alcohol from an early age. Prevention is a collaborative effort, which involves a range of stakeholders, including parents and families, those working in education, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (DATFs), family support networks, youth services, student unions, sporting organisations and networks of people who use drugs. Prevention should be evidence-based, adhere to quality standards, and involve participants in programme design and in implementation.
One of the strategic priorities for the remaining years of the national drugs strategy, 2021-2025 is to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people. To progress this priority, the Department of Health has established a new drug prevention and education programme with funding of €1.5 million over three years. This is the first-time the national funding for drug prevention has been provided by a government department.
The programme supports the delivery of actions in the EU drugs strategy and the Programme for Government. It builds on local and sectoral initiatives, such as Know the Score, and will draw on evidence from Europe to professionalise and elevate the practice of drug prevention in Ireland. In particular, the programme will promote the European Prevention Curriculum and international prevention standards. It will also contribute to the work of the citizens' assembly on drug use, especially its term of reference on international best practice and practical case studies in relation to reducing supply, demand and harm, and increasing resilience, health and well-being.
I will shortly announce the successful applicants for the funding, which will support up to five prevention initiatives with funding of up to €100,000 per year, for a period of three years. I believe these initiatives will significant advance the practice of drug prevention and education in Ireland.
