Pre-budget submission by Drug Task Forces
On Wednesday 5th July the Local Drug Task Forces met in Buswell’s hotel to highlight the huge funding deficits and lack of equity in the sector when compared to the statutory and private sector. A number of TDs, senators and councillors attended to voice their commitment and support for this submission to be included in the 2023 budget in October.
Specifically they are calling for an immediate and annual minimum increase to core funding of €3 million per year. It was very encouraging that so many of the representatives agreed that this falls well short of what was needed and felt we should be aiming higher.
Some of the issues/solutions highlighted were
- Immediate increase in core funding with more spending discretion by Task Forces as they see immerging needs on the ground and can respond quickly
- A return to the very effective partnership arrangement with HSE and other agencies working together on an equal basis
- Pay/benefit parity with the statutory sector to support staff retention and career pathways
- Multi annual funding (Task Force budgets have actually decreased by 4.5% since 2012)
- 427% increase in cocaine and crack cocaine since 2012 having a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.
- The community and voluntary sectors are a fundamental part of the response to a health led approach to engaging with addiction and those communities most impacted by this.
Rialto Community Drug Team fully supports this campaign by the Drug Task Forces across the country! “The Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in implementing this strategy and increasing access at local level to harm reduction initiatives. We will examine how continue to support it in identifying local need in communities, and support targeted initiatives addressing drug and alcohol misuse”. P.50 Programme for government
Rialto Community Drug Team 