The Minister for Public Health has allocated over €240,000 in additional funding for Family Support under the national drugs strategy.

This allocation is in addition to the €4 million secured in Budget 2023 to expand community and residential addiction services.

The funding will support initiatives that enhance access and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community, in line with priorities identified in the Midterm Review of the national drugs strategy.

The funding will develop and broaden support for family members affected by addiction with a particular focus on virtual accessibility and supports through the RISE Foundation.

Government intend to also develop the mapping of family support services nationally in order to identify priority areas and maximise and strengthen the provision of services.

Announcing the funding, Minister Hildegarde Naughton said: “Drug use by a family member doesn’t just affect the user; it can have a profound impact on family members, particularly children.

"I am very aware that families provide valuable support to a loved one affected by substance on their journey to recovery. I also recognise that families also have their own needs at this difficult time.

"It is important that we continue to support interventions like the five-step method that specifically supports families in their own right and not just as the main supporter for their loved one’s treatment.”

Joseph Doyle, HSE National Lead Social Inclusion said a key objective of the plan is to "continue to support those receiving drug treatment services including children, parents and their families in partnership with TUSLA, community and voluntary services.

“We support specific resource evidence-based family support initiatives such as the as the 5-Step Method Intervention. While in partnership with TUSLA, community and voluntary services, the HSE is also committed to implementing the Hidden Harm strategic statement and guide for practice to support people who use drugs and alcohol and their children.”