Foyle MLA Delargy: Substance Use Strategy must be implemented

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has welcomed the publication of the Public Accounts Committee report into addiction services.

However, the representative for Foyle said the report's findings showed how important it was for the Department of Health's Substance Use Strategy to be implemented and fully-funded.

The report warned that the harm associated with both drug and alcohol addiction was “significant and likely to get worse”.

Alcohol deaths across the North of Ireland in 2020 totalled at 351 – an average of nearly one a day and the highest on record.

Drug addiction deaths recorded between 2010 and 2019 shot up from 92 to 191 over that period.

The report also highlighted an increase in the use of prescription drugs saying: “High prescribing rates of some prescription drugs are a significant cause for concern, particularly as these drugs are now involved in the majority of drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Delargy expressed his concerns over the findings of the report and urged the Department of Health for the need for action.

He said: “I welcome this report, particularly its focus on rehabilitation services and the need for a community and cross-departmental approach to supporting people battling addiction.

“Addiction from substance, drugs, alcohol and prescription medication is having an impact on more and more families across the island.

“In 2020, over 300 people died from alcohol-related illnesses in the north and the numbers of drug deaths have trebled in the last ten years.

“There is clearly a need for action – the Department of Health must ensure the Substance Use Strategy is implemented and properly funded.”

The Derry News contacted the Department of Health and asked what measures were being taken to enforce the Substance Use Strategy and how much funding would it require for such enforcement to be put into place.

However, a spokesperson for the Department would not address the questions we raised only to briefly say that: “Implementation of the strategy is now underway and the Department has bid for funding to ensure that it can be delivered in full.”

In response, Pádraig Delargy said: “Having met with those suffering from addiction and those treating them over the past number of months, the need is immediate. While I’m glad some progress has been made, we need to see urgent action and on the ground delivery to protect those living with addiction.”