Turas insists Drugs Minister needed to tackle crisis

Dundalk based community addiction service, Turas, has called on all political parties to pledge to heighten the powers of the Minister for the National Drugs Strategy and make it a full ministerial post with a seat at the cabinet table.

Last year alone Turas experienced a 12% increase in demand for supports by people striving to overcome their addiction but funding remains at 2011 levels.

This year to date Turas have had a 41% increase in referrals compared to the same period last year. Any new Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy must have the power to negotiate an increased budget with the government to ensure addiction services are able to meet the demand from people requiring help. A full post would bring greater influence and prioritise the needs of people with addiction from a health perspective.

‘Recent events in Drogheda have highlighted the prevalence of drug taking and the associated trauma it can cause. It is imperative that organisations like Turas are adequately funded to help break the cycle of addiction,’ said Nicki Jordan, Manager of Turas.

‘ To meet our basic programme provision there is a significant shortfall of funding which has to be made up through fundraising and philanthropic donations.

Turas works in partnership with the HSE and are grateful for their support however the funding they do provide it is simply not enough for us to run our service.

‘We are asking the government to provide full cost recovery for addiction services and to prioritise the value professional support offers to support people to make more positive choices and improve their lives,’ she continued.

If anyone requires support with an addiction they can telephone or visit Turas directly and we will be in contact with an appointment. We provide motivational support, relapse prevention, outreach, one-to-one counselling, a group programme as well as a full community based medical detox programme.