06/10/2025
Family Addiction Support Network Meets with Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor to Seek Core Funding for Families in the North East
On the 17th of September, the Family Addiction Support Network (FASN) met with Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, to discuss the urgent need for core funding to sustain and expand its work in the North East region.
FASN expressed its deep gratitude to Minister Murnane O’Connor for taking the time to meet, to listen with empathy, and to engage with the lived realities of families impacted by addiction across Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, and Louth.
“We are very respectful and grateful to Minister Murnane O’Connor for this opportunity. Her willingness to hear directly from us about the struggles families face, and the lifeline FASN provides, is deeply valued,” said Gwen, Volunteer Facilitator at FASN.
The Need for Support
Families in the North East continue to face long treatment waiting lists for their addicted loved ones, drug debt intimidation, inconsistent support for children affected by addiction issues, and the deep isolation that addiction often brings.
Without core funding, vital peer-led, trauma-informed supports remain at risk.
Alignment with National Policy
FASN’s work directly supports:
National Drugs Strategy – Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery
Hidden Harm Strategy
Children First Framework
DRIVE Programme (Drug-Related Intimidation)
“The Family Addiction Support Network (FASN) has been identified by the Department of Justice as a key local project contributing to the response to drug-related intimidation and violence in Drogheda.” (DroghedaReport Implementation Plan, Department of Justice, 2022)
This document outlines the strategic response to crime and drug-related violence in Drogheda, following the scoping exercise led by Vivian Geiran, former Director of the Probation Service.
FASN is the only peer-led family support network in the region offering a comprehensive suite of services. FASN stands apart from other family addiction support services in Ireland because of its peer-led, trauma-informed, and empowerment-driven model — rooted in lived experience and designed to meet the real-world needs of families across the North East.
Services include a 24/7 helpline, peer support groups, counselling, respite, and education programmes, all designed to transform pain into purpose.
One parent described the impact of FASN: “When my son’s addiction spiralled, I didn’t know where to turn… FASN didn’t just support my family — they saved it.”
A Proven, High-Value Model
In 2024 alone, FASN delivered:
1,356 peer support group attendances
336 counselling sessions
225 Five-Step Method interventions
126 helpline calls answered nationally
7,376 volunteer hours, valued at €388,493.92
Research shows that for every €1 invested in family support, there is a €5 return in social value. FASN’s volunteer programme alone generates almost €2 million in social value annually.
The Case for Core Funding
To secure sustainability and meet growing demand, FASN requires €165,000 in annual core funding to provide:
A full-time Project Coordinator
A full-time Family Support Worker for the Louth–Meath area
A full-time Office Administrator
Operational costs to ensure continuity across four counties
Such funding would allow FASN to stabilise services, expand reach to vulnerable families, and strengthen community responses to drug-related harm.
Closing Message
FASN remains committed to bringing the voices of families and communities to the heart of Ireland’s drug strategy. The organisation warmly thanks Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor for her openness and understanding and looks forward to continued dialogue and partnership in building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.
FASN is not just a service — it is a lifeline. With core funding, that lifeline can continue to save families, empower communities, and shape a compassionate, health-led response to addiction in the North East.
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