Michael McDowell
Question:82 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health the number of people who are attending the Eastern Health Board's satellite drug clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Satellite Drug Clinics.
The Eastern Health Board operates three satellite clinics at present and the board has informed me that a total of 352 persons are attending these for methadone maintenance. The establishment of satellite clinics was recommended by the National AIDS Strategy Committee to provide risk-reduction services to IV drug users as a means of containing the spread of HIV. The health board is providing these clinics to cater for drug users in local catchment areas and intends to develop further such clinics during the coming year.