Vol. 256 No. 5
asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the steps being taken to implement the recommendations of the working party on drug abuse and, in particular, those dealing with the provision of special institutions with facilities for treatment, powers of committal to such institutions and development of a comprehensive programme for rehabilitation.
13.
asked the Minister for Health whether it is proposed to introduce a provision for a system of scaled penalties for drug offences, related to the type of drug involved as recommended in the report of the working party on drug abuse.
14.
asked the Minister for Health whether it is proposed to make a clear distinction in law between "simple" possession of drugs and possession for the purpose of the illicit supply to others, as recommended in the report of the working party on drug abuse.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13 and 14 together.
In replies to questions by Deputies Hugh Byrne and John O'Connell on 15th June, 1971, I indicated the main measures which had already been taken arising out of the recommendations of the working party on drug abuse. I also outlined in reply to a question by Deputy Byrne on 29th July, 1971, the general proposals for legislation containing more comprehensive measures for the control of drug abuse.
The consultations with other Government Departments on certain recommendations of the working party on drug abuse referred to in my reply of 15th June, 1971, have been proceeding and certain progress has been made.
I hope to introduce the legislation for the control of drug abuse in the present session, including provision for the two specific points referred to in Questions Nos. 13 and 14.
On 27th October, 1971, in my reply to a question by Deputy Byrne I outlined details of a programme dealing with the opening phase of an education and publicity campaign on drugs, including the furnishing of advice to parents, teachers, et cetera, the preparation of leaflets and the making of a suitable film in regard to drug abuse.
In Question No. 12 the Deputy makes particular reference to the provision of special institutions for treatment of drug abusers and their rehabilitation. The position in this regard is that a special out-patient treatment and information centre is in operation at Jervis Street Hospital which provides a 24-hour telephone service for persons wishing to arrange for treatment or to receive information or advice regarding drug abuse.
In addition, a special "closed" unit for the treatment of drug abusers has been established at Dundrum by the Eastern Health Board. Accommodation is available for ten patients. The necessity for an extent of any additional accommodation which may be required in the future is now being assessed. Patients discharged from the unit at Dundrum may attend any of the psychiatric out-patient clinics provided by the Eastern Health Board during their period of rehabilitation.
The board also hope to open in January next a new "open" centre for adolescents and drug abusers at Usher's Island. Adaptation and redecoration of the premises is at present in progress. This centre will provide an advisory, treatment and rehabilitation service for drug abusers.
The Minister for Justice is in consultation with me and other Ministers concerned in connection with an inter-Departmental committee which he is in process of establishing to make recommendations regarding the provisions which should be made in the context of court penological practice for dealing with persons, including drug abusers, who have come, or are likely to come, into conflict with the law and who may be in need of psychiatric treatment.
There is, of course, provision in the Mental Treatment Acts to enable persons dependent on drugs to receive treatment on a compulsory or voluntary basis.
May I ask the reason for the delay in opening the Usher's Island unit?
I could not tell the Deputy. I know we are making every effort to have it opened as soon as possible. The Deputy may not be aware that it was used for a period by refugees from Northern Ireland. That may have caused some delay.
Would I be right in saying that the appointment of a director for that unit was the cause of the delay?
I cannot say. The Deputy should ask the director of the Eastern Health Board about it.
When will the new draft legislation be circulated? Will it be during the present session?
I hope so.
