Limerick-East): International experience has shown that mobile clinics can be a successful part of treatment programmes for drug misusers. The services offered by such clinics can range from methadone maintenance programmes for stabilised drug misusers to harm reduction programmes, including low threshold methadone doses for chaotic drug misusers. Services do not include rehabilitation. The mobile clinic is intended to complement the services provided in the community-based treatment centres and by general practitioners. The important consideration in the type of programme to be provided is that clear operational policies be drawn up for the clinic and that, in addition, clear objectives, which would be subject to review, be defined.
I am satisfied that the Eastern Health Board's mobile methadone clinic, which commenced in the south inner city area in September, 1996, and which is now also operating in the north inner city, is being operated in a responsible fashion, with clear objectives and involving the support of both the Garda Síochána and local communities. It is proposed to operate in further sites and consultations are being held with the local community in each case regarding the selection of suitable locations.