Ruairí Quinn
Question:41 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether the Eastern Health Board has found locations for its satellite clinics in communities hit by AIDS and drug abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EHB Satellite Clinics.
The National Aids Strategy Committee adopted the report of its sub-committee on the Care and Management of persons with HIV/AIDS on 13 April 1992. One of the recommendations called for the establishment of Satellite Clinics, initially on a pilot basis, in the Dublin area. These Clinics will provide a range of risk-reduction services aimed at preventing the transmission of the HIV virus, in particular through the use of infected intravenous-injecting equipment. These recommendations are in the process of being implemented by the Eastern Health Board. The Board have identified a number of potential locations for the Clinics which are designed to provide services in areas of greatest need. I understand that the Board will shortly reach a decision on the precise locations for the clinics. I might add that I recently provided the Eastern Health Board with a special financial allocation to meet the costs of establishing the Clinics, together with a number of Community Drugs Teams who will work in close contact with the clinics.