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Derry Addiction Centre
02 November 2022
Lead MP
Colum Eastwood
Foyle
SDLP
Responding Minister
Steven Baker
Tags
Northern Ireland
Word Count: 4809
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Colum Eastwood raised concerns about derry addiction centre in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member asks for a clear commitment from the Government to continue funding the Derry addiction centre if a functioning Executive is not formed urgently. He also requests an understanding of what will happen if there is no progress on forming an Executive and how those in need will access this crucial service.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The hon. Member is concerned about the impact of alcoholism and drug addiction in Northern Ireland, with over 10 deaths per week from these issues. Northlands centre has provided critical treatment to hundreds of people, offering a six-week residential programme attended by 1,186 participants over five years and providing 12,886 non-residential counselling slots, with an average recovery rate of over 35%. The lack of funding and political instability are hindering the delivery of promised improvements.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commended the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward issues related to addiction and drug problems in constituencies, expressing concern about a hold-up by the Department of Health in allocating promised funds.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Asked the hon. Member to talk about the team behind Northlands, highlighting their dedication to tackling addiction issues in Derry, suggesting this information would be useful for the Minister. The former Secretary of State acknowledges his role in securing the commitment for the Northlands centre in New Decade, New Approach agreement. He emphasizes the importance of delivering on this promise.
Pointed out that an average of almost every day last year and the year before saw someone dying due to alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland, questioning why there is no urgent government action if deaths were caused by other issues. Criticised lack of clarity from Government.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brent North
The government must do more to address drug addiction by increasing funding for treatment centres like Derry Addiction Centre, which is currently understaffed and overburdened.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
I have visited the Derry Addiction Centre and am concerned about the lack of resources to support patients in recovery.
Government Response
Steven Baker
Government Response
It is a pleasure to reply to this debate, and the Government are committed to supporting the Derry/Londonderry addiction centre with £1 million from unique circumstances funding under the New Decade, New Approach agreement. Health being devolved in Northern Ireland means it is for the Department of Health to formulate proposals on how to use this allocated funding. The Minister personally experienced an inner-city challenge involving rehab and understands the importance of treatment and sympathy for those suffering from addiction. He acknowledges the impact of political instability and its consequences, stressing that the Government will proceed with caution until a functioning Executive can be formed. Funding is contingent upon receiving and approving proposals from the Department of Health. The Minister also mentions the broader context of NDNA and ongoing efforts to deliver funding commitments despite the absence of an Executive.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.