Labour TD, John Lyons, has welcomed confirmation that funding for Local Drugs Task Forces around the country has been protected in Budget 2015.
The funding, part of the Department of Health’s Drugs Initiative, will be maintained for next year after several years of reductions.
“Local Drugs Task Forces do fantastic work in communities around the country to reduce the harm caused by drug use. As a member of the Ballymun-Whitehall Drugs Task Forces, I know the value of the support they provide, as well as the Finglas-Cabra DTF, to help people turn their lives around and to support families through difficult times.
“A recent study by Tallaght Drugs Task Force showed that budget reductions occurred at a time when there has been a huge increase in demand for DTF services. This demand is due to a large increase in substance misuse across all ages and an ‘increasing prevalence of polydrug and alcohol use’ during a time of great economic hardship for many people.
“Prior to the Budget, I wrote to the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, and helped to organise a cross-party briefing on the difficult situation Drugs Task Forces are facing. It was quite clear that Task Forces could not have made further cuts to their budgets without seriously impacting on essential services.
Source: labour.ie, 16/10/14
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