asked the Minister for Health the number of drug addicts hospitalised in 1984.
514.
Written Answers. - Drug Addicts.
513.
asked the Minister for Health the number of drug addicts who can be treated at any one particular time under the present hospital system.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 513 and 514 together.
I assume that the Deputy is refering to treatment and hospitalisation of addicts in respect of their addiction problems in specialised treatment facilities. As regards hospitalisation the position is that I do not have statistics on the precise number of drug addicts hospitalised in 1984. However, the beds available are as follows: There is a nine-bed detoxification unit at the Jervis Street drug advisory and treatment centre, Coolmine therapeutic community has 90 residential places between St. Martin's, Navan, and Coolmine Lodge. The Rutland Centre in Templeogue provide residential treatment for people with problems of addiction. There are 25 beds in the centre. Psychiatric hospitals also accommodate people with drug dependency problems. In 1982, the latest year for which figures are available, 223 people were admitted to psychiatric hospitals for drug dependence.
As the Deputy is doubtless aware, a significant percentage of people with drug-related problems can be assisted on an out-patient basis. 1,454 patients attended the drug advisory and treatment centre in Jervis Street in 1984. The total number of attendances in 1984 was 26,935.
In relation to the treatment of drug addicts I should say that the term "treatment" in the context of addiction may be something of a misnomer. A range of intervention strategies is required from counselling to intensive residential programmes. We are developing these services, as appropriate. I would refer the Deputy in this regard to my reply to Deputy Andrews' question on 18 October concerning facilities for drug addicts in the greater Dublin area.