Vol. 456 No. 7
87 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if he intends to establish more treatment centres for drug abusers to receive methadone in the Dublin area; the timetable for the development of such treatment centres; and the progress, if any, made in this regard. [14656/95]
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. The majority of drug misusers reside in the Eastern Health Board, which is engaged in expanding its range of treatment services in order to cope with the demand for these services. Funding has been allocated to the board to allow for this expansion.
At present methadone maintenance is provided to drug misusers through satellite clinics at Baggot Street, Amiens Street and Ballyfermot and also at the Drug Treatment Centre, Pearse Street. The Eastern Health Board is in the process of establishing a further three treatment centres in Dublin and preparations are at an advanced stage. Staff are currently being recruited and it is hoped to have these clinics up and running soon.
In light of these developments the board will be keeping the situation under continuous review to ensure that it is in a position to respond to needs as they emerge.
