Department of Health accused of undermining New Decade, New Approach in row over funding of Derry addiction centre
Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Colum Eastwood asked what discussions the Government has had with the Northern Ireland Executive about funding for the Northlands Addiction Treatment Centre.
The Foyle representative said the organisation has 'saved countless lives in Derry'.
"Now they're being told by the Department of Health and Stormont that their core funding has been cut and that this money is not guaranteed to them,' Mr Eastwood continued.
'Does the minister agree with me that the Department of Health is in no position at all to undermine an international agreement?'
In response, Fleur Anderson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for NI said: 'The honourable member is a powerful advocate for his constituents, for the Northlands centre and for the need for services to tackle the scourge of addiction.
'I join him in recognising the need for support for people with addictions, but it is now up to the Department for Health, it's devolved, to bring forward a business plan based on their review of addiction services for what will provide the best support to the most people.'
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has been accused of 'backtracking' on a UK Government pledge to fund a new addiction treatment centre in Derry.
In 2022 it was confirmed that £1m was available for Northlands Addiction Treatment Centre to build a new facility as soon as Stormont approved a business case.
During a Westminster Hall debate in November of that year, NIO Minister Steve Baker expressed his 'personal commitment' that this money needs to get into Northlands and to deliver against NDNA.
Despite this intergovernmental agreement, the health department removed £63,215 of core funding from Northlands this year and said a review of addiction services 'does not recommend' a new centre in the north west.
Meanwhile, Aontú representative for Ballyarnett, Emmet Doyle, has received confirmation that the Irish government remains committed to the promises made under the terms of the NDNA agreement – and that it is the understanding of the Irish Government that it is for the Department of Health to develop a business case to secure the money.
But Mr Doyle said DoH has not done so five years after the NDNA deal was agreed and confirmed that he has engaged with party leader Peadar Tóibín TD who submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Tánaiste.
"The New Decade New Approach agreement reached in January 2020 was a significant achievement by the political parties in Northern Ireland and the two governments to restore the power-sharing institutions first established by the Good Friday Agreement,' Simon Harris said.
'We remain fully committed to the full implementation of the agreement.
'I am aware of the matter raised by the Deputy in respect of a funding commitment made by the UK government for an addiction centre in Derry.
'The implementation of this commitment is a matter for the UK government and the devolved authorities.
'I understand that there is ongoing and regular contact between UK government officials and their counterparts in the Department of Health, and that it is now for the latter to develop a business case arising from this commitment."
Mr Doyle said it is clear now that both governments are 'firm in their belief' that the Department of Health need to provide a business case to unlock the promised £1m.
'The health minister needs to make an unequivocal statement as to what work, if any, his Department has engaged in to secure the money, and how he will progress this NDNA commitment,' he continued.
'We will continue to hold feet to the fire about the absolute need for this funding to be delivered and expose the agenda behind its neglect for the last five years."
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