Vol. 404 No. 8
51 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his (a) medium, (b) long term plans for the provision of treatment facilities for alcoholics and people with drink related problems in Waterford city and its environs, having regard to difficulties which are threatening the future of such facilities in Belmont Hospital, Waterford.
The provision of services for persons with alcohol related problems in the Waterford area is the responsibility of the statutory authority, the South-Eastern Health Board. The South-Eastern Health Board recently adopted a policy on the treatment of alcoholism which was prepared by a committee of the board. This provides for the development of a comprehensive community based alcoholism treatment programme throughout the board's area in accordance with the policy outlined in the report on the Development of the Psychiatric Services — Planning for the Future. The document recommended that before any developments take place in the Waterford catchment area, consultations should take place with the management of the Belmont Park service.
As far as the future of the alcoholism service at Belmont Park Hospital is concerned, the Brothers of Charity, who own the hospital, are considering with the South-Eastern Health Board how their respective services can best be organised for the provision of an improved alcoholism service in the Waterford area. Discussions are on-going at present between the brothers and the board and in the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the health board are not in a position at present to finalise plans for the future provision of alcoholism treatment services in the Waterford area.
