asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that drug addicts are no longer being treated in St. Dympna's, Dublin; and what alternative arrangements have been made to provide treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Drug Addicts.
3.
Dublin Health Authority is continuing to treat in St. Dympna's, North Circular Road, persons requiring treatment because of drug addiction, or the abuse of drugs, and who can suitably be treated in the open environment which obtains in St. Dympna's. I am having discussions with the authority regarding the making of improved and extended provisions for the future.
How many drug addicts are there in Dublin?
We do not know the exact number; 350 are known to the Garda.
I am sure they are confined to the built-up areas.
I wish they were.
We know there are more than that.
Would the Minister not think it worth while setting up this register which I suggested here in 1965 and which suggestion was ridiculed? The Government have now come to the realisation of the seriousness of the position.
The most necessary thing is to treat the drug addict.
There are only ten places available in St. Dympna's for them. The Minister says they are catered for there on an open basis. Is there any place in or near Dublin city where they can be detained and treated?
We have had urgent discussions on this matter with Dublin Health Authority. They are being most co-operative. There is a possibility of restricted quarters in the wing at St. Brendan's. There is the possibility that another wing there will be vacated as it is no longer required for other cases. This could be used for drug addicts who require to be detained and treated. I am anxious to make the necessary arrangements with the Dublin Health Authority as soon as possible. We now know that drug addicts who are also delinquents cannot suitably be placed in an open system along with drug addicts who are well-intentioned and who wish to be cured as soon as possible.