asked the Minister for Health the number of units in the country which deal specifically with the problem of alcoholism; the proposals he has for the provision of such units throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Alcoholism Units.
465.
All the public psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units in general hospitals provide, inter alia, specialist services for the treatment of alcoholism. There are 22 public psychiatric hospitals and 10 units in general hospitals as well as four private psychiatric hospitals which provide treatment services for alcoholism. In addition there are five units run by voluntary organisations.
Apart from psychiatric facilities in general hospitals which are included in the general hospital development programme, there are no proposals before my Department for the development of further specialist in-patient units to deal specifically with alcoholism. In general, I would feel that this country has adequate bed provision in this area and I would see the future development of specialist treatment services for alcoholism taking place mainly in the area of additional community-based services including counselling and out-patient services.