Tony Gregory
Question:75 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health his response to the list of drug treatment measures submitted by the Inner City Organisations Network, ICON, (details supplied) as part of their drugs crisis campaign. [14354/95]
Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Measures.
Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of services for drug misusers in Dublin is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance. I am aware of the need for additional treatment facilities for drug misusers in the Dublin area and the Eastern Health Board will continue with the development of services to respond to their needs.
The Inner City Organisation Network requested that additional facilities be provided to deal with the problem of drug abuse in the north inner city and I am aware that the board is putting a number of measures in place including the provision of detoxification beds at Cherry Orchard Hospital, the extension of opening hours at its satellite clinics, the recruitment of additional addiction counsellors and outreach workers, the introduction of special arrangements to deal with emergency cases and the provision of a special helpline to respond to such cases. The Eastern Health Board has been provided with the necessary additional funds to put the services in place. I have also agreed to meet with representatives of ICON on 17 October to discuss with them their concerns about the problem of drug abuse.