Tabor Group Calls for Urgent Funding to Address Growing Addiction Crisis

Tabor Group, a longstanding provider of residential addiction treatment services in Cork, is issuing an urgent call to government to increase funding in Budget 2025 to address the escalating addiction crisis. The organisation, which has been at the forefront of addiction recovery for over 35 years, is under pressure to guarantee its 36 treatment beds in aging buildings that are in urgent need of upgrade, and is expecting shortfalls in revenue funding this year.

Growing Demand for Addiction Services

The need for addiction treatment services in Ireland has reached crisis levels, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Tabor Group provided support to 1,654 individuals, an indication of the growing addiction problem in the country.

National statistics from the Health Research Board in 2023 highlight the gravity of the situation:

• A 228% increase in cases where cocaine was the primary drug from 2017 to 2023.
• A 600% increase in crack cocaine use during the same period.
• Cocaine overtaking opioids as the most common problem drug in 2022.

According to the Health Research Board’s 2023 report, one in five drinkers in Ireland is classified with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), translating to nearly 600,000 individuals. In 2021, alcohol-related hospitalisations amounted to 18,877, with a notable increase in the length of stay compared to non-alcohol-related conditions.

Beyond health impacts, alcohol misuse imposes substantial social and economic costs. It affects not only drinkers but also their families, coworkers, and other individuals. A 2020 study found that one-third of respondents reported being affected by someone else’s heavy drinking, with significant harm reported across various demographics. Financial and social harm, including issues related to family safety and well-being, are prevalent concerns.

The economic burden of alcohol harm is considerable. A 2014 analysis estimated the cost at approximately €2.35 billion annually, encompassing healthcare, crime, road accidents, and lost productivity. Recent estimates suggest that alcohol-related harm may cost Ireland between €9.6 billion and €12 billion annually, representing up to 1.9% of GDP.

In a 2023 report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), found that around 1 in 30 adults in Ireland is now engaged in problem gambling, a sharp rise from earlier estimates of 40,000 to 60,000 people.

Despite these worrying trends, addiction treatment services remain the “poor relation” of the health service. Even in the face of growing need and demand for help there has been no increase in the recurring baseline funding amount in the Service Level Agreement with Tabor Group within the last decade, in despite the rising pay, non-pay costs and inflation.

To break even in 2024, Tabor Group has to generate €3.4 million in income to meet its obligations. Funding from health and other public sources amounts to 56% (€1.9million) of overall funding with the remainder having to be raised by Tabor Group. This significant underfunding would not be acceptable for the treatment of any other serious health condition, affecting an estimated 700,000 people and their families.

Lack of realistic public funding is putting immense pressure on Tabor Group’s ability to guarantee the existing range of addiction treatment services and to keep pace with the growing needs of those seeking help.

The current funding structure by government, does not cover the full costs of providing residential treatment programmes. However, in 2024 Tabor Group is implementing a phased migration of staff to comparable HSE pay scales, costing approximately €373,000 per annum, as well the introduction of a 3% employer pension contribution in the last quarter of 2024, which will cost approximately €65,000 per annum.

These measures are essential to retaining skilled staff and maintaining the high standards of care that Tabor Group is known for. In spite of government promises for section 39 organisations like Tabor Group, no public funding has been forwarded to meet these increased pay and pension costs, putting additional strain on the organisation’s finances.

Urgent Need for Realistic Revenue Funding

To ensure the sustainability of our services, it is imperative that we secure an uplift in revenue funding that is maintained year on year. As part of the Addiction Treatment Centre of Ireland (ATCI) pre-budget submission, we are requesting a €250,000 increase in funding. This essential support will allow us to retain our dedicated staff, keep pace with rising wage inflation, and cover increasing pension costs. Without this funding, our ability to provide vital addiction treatment services will be severely compromised.

Urgent Call for Capital Investment

In addition to revenue funding, Tabor Group is seeking an urgent capital investment of €2 million in public funding for the necessary upgrade to their flagship facility, Tabor Lodge in Belgooly, Co. Cork. The historic building is in dire need of modernisation to continue serving as a 21st-century addiction treatment centre. Critical improvements include roof repairs, the renovation of rooms to provide single occupancy, ensuites and urgent repairs to outdated water and wastewater systems.

Without this capital investment, Tabor Lodge’s ability to continue to operate is under threat, at a time when the demand for addiction treatment is growing both locally and nationally. “Our facilities must be fit for purpose to provide people with the best possible addiction treatment experience,” said Colette Kelleher, CEO of Tabor Group. “To continue offering high-quality addiction treatment services, Tabor Group urgently needs government support to bring our building up to modern healthcare standards. The future of Tabor Lodge hinges on these long-overdue repairs and upgrade, which can no longer be ignored.”

A Call to Prioritise Addiction Treatment Services

Despite the clear and growing need, alcohol, drugs and gambling addiction services continue to be sidelined in Ireland’s healthcare priorities. Tabor Group is calling on the government to recognise the critical role that residential addiction treatment plays in public health and to provide the necessary capital and revenue funding to ensure these services can meet the demands of those in need.

“Addiction services have been at the back of the queue for too long,” said Colette Kelleher. “It’s time to prioritise people needing addiction treatment and provide the funding required to save lives and support recovery.”