HSE criticized for cuts to addiction services as Wexford’s drug crisis escalates: ‘This is a public health emergency’

Paul Delaney, of The Cornmarket Project, says the HSE has cut 26 frontline posts in social inclusion services, with 11.5 of those posts directly affecting addiction services.

It was also noted that the position of manager of the HSE’s substance misuse services in Wexford has been vacant for 18 months due to a “national embargo” on replacing staff.

“This situation is completely unacceptable,” Delaney said. “Illegal drug use is becoming entrenched in our communities, and the South East is being hit hardest by these cuts nationally. In Wexford alone, we’ve lost four clients to drug overdoses during summer, but instead of strengthening support, services designed to prevent these tragedies are being cut.”

In Wexford, the Cornmarket Project, which provides support for people with a history of addiction and criminal involvement, has seen a significant increase in demand for services. Between January and September this year, 465 people attended, many of whom say they were struggling with the effects of dangerous synthetic drugs. These users were as young as 15 years old, and some of the substances involved were even found to contain the deadly compound Niatzene.

“In addition to well-known drugs like cannabis and heroin, newer psychoactive substances are being mixed, often with devastating results,” Delaney warned. “This is a pattern that cannot be ignored.”

Wexford’s addiction specialist revealed that the problem is exacerbated by a growth in cocaine use, as well as the increasing presence of crack cocaine on Wexford’s streets.

“Three years ago, we were supporting 15 people with cocaine and crack addiction. Today, that number has risen to 56. This explosive increase is putting immense pressure on our already overstretched services,” he said.

Although the Cornmarket project maintains a strong working relationship with local HSE staff, Delaney explained that frustration is widespread.

“Our colleagues at the HSE are equally frustrated. I have been told that if government funding is not secured by the end of this year to fill 29 vacant posts in Addictions and Social Inclusion Services, these posts will they will lose out permanently. This is an outrageous situation and is likely to result in more preventable deaths due to a lack of critical services.”

With the latest figures indicating a 23% increase in drug use in the South East between 2021 and 2023, Mr. Delaney stresses that investment in drug treatment is essential, not only to save lives, but also to reduce the social, health and criminal burden. justice costs. He says that for every €1 spent on treatment, €3 is saved.

“We are facing a public health emergency,” he said. “Cutting essential services during a time of growing drug addiction is reckless. The time to act is now, before more lives are lost.”