Vol. 434 No. 4
181 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health the reason medical card holders are not eligible for treatment in Aiséirí, Cahir, County Tipperary; if he intends to extend medical cover for the treatment of alcoholism; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Aiséirí, Cahir is a private treatment centre which provides residential treatment to persons dependent on alcohol and other substances.
The South Eastern Health Board is responsible for the provision of alcohol treatment services in its functional area. The board has been developing an alcoholism treatment service in the community as recommended in the report on the Development of the Psychiatric Services, Planning for the Future, published in 1984. Residential facilities for persons with addictions who have special needs are provided at the board's psychiatric hospitals.
As Aiséirí is a private treatment centre, medical card holders are not entitled to treatment in the centre without charge. However, the South Eastern Health Board recognises the contribution of Aiséirí to the treatment of alcoholism and provides financial assistance to the centre. In 1993 a financial contribution of £20,000 was made to the board towards the running costs of Aiséirí, Cahir.
