asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the present facility for detoxification and rehabilitation of drug abusers; the plans, if any, he has for the provision of further facilities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drug Abusers' Facilities.
229.
Persons requiring detoxification as a result of drug abuse receive treatment on an emergency basis in general hospitals or, in some cases, in psychiatric hospitals.
There is a nine bed unit, specifically for detoxification of drug abusers, at the drug advisory and treatment centre in Jervis Street Hospital. It is planned to transfer this unit to Beaumont Hospital.
The Southern Health Board have an alcoholism and drug abuse prevention centre in Arbour House, Cork city. This is a community based out-patient centre which is involved in prevention, intervention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse in Cork city.
Rehabilitation services for drug abusers are provided by the pyschiatric services. In addition, a specific rehabilitation service is provided by the Coolemine Therapeutic Community at: Coolemine House, Lord Edward Street, Dublin; St. Martha's, Navan; Ashleigh House, Clonee and Coolemine Lodge, Clonsilla.
The Eastern Health Board also provide a service at the Talbot Day Centre in Buckingham Street. The Rutland Centre provides a service at Templeogue and the Ana-Liffey Project provides an individually designed rehabilitation programme in Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1.
Agreement has been reached on the purchase of a property for a new walk-in out-patient drug treatment facility in the inner city area of Dublin and the contract for these premises was signed recently. The out-patient services currently provided in the drug advisory and treatment centre in Jervis Street will be transferred to the new facility.
I am satisfied that when the new out-patient facility is functioning in the inner city area of Dublin, this, together with the detoxification service to be provided in Beaumont Hospital and other treatment facilities available, will provide a comprehensive service for drug abusers. However, the question of providing further facilities will continue to be considered in the light of the perceived need for such facilities.