asked the Minister for Health what is the incidence of narcotic and other drug addiction in Ireland; if a register is kept of drug addicts; and what specific facilities are available to rehabilitate the unfortunate victims of addiction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Addiction.
35.
Mr. O'Malley
As stated in reply to a Dáil question by Deputy Noel Lemass, on 9th March, 1965, all the information available appears to indicate that addiction to narcotic drugs is not a problem in this country, and any abuse of tranquilliser and antidepressant drugs is on a limited scale. A general register of drug addicts is not maintained.
Drug addicts may be admitted for treatment to public or private mental institutions, either as voluntary patients, normally on the advice of a medical practitioner, or as temporary patients on the application of a relative or friend with a doctor's recommendation. Treatment consists of disintoxication followed by psychotherapy.
Is the Minister aware that drug addicts are being referred to the Garda Síochána and does he consider that action justified?
Mr. O'Malley
I have no knowledge of that. Of course, perhaps I should qualify my answer by saying that that might be only secondary, that these people were subject to drug addiction and there might be another crime involved. I do not know whether the Deputy has a specific case in mind.
I have a few cases.