Vol. 492 No. 7
232 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the proposals for funding put forward by Aislinn Addiction Treatment Centre, Ballyragget, County Kilkenny; if he has satisfied himself with the proposal; if his Department will give an early indication as to its intentions in this regard in view of the fact that Aislinn has set an October date to open the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15118/98]
All health boards recognise the role played by voluntary-private centres in the treatment of persons with alcohol and drug related problems and are continually considering ways in which the services provided by them might integrate with health board community based services in an effective and cost efficient manner. The Aislinn Centre has been the subject of a number of representations this year and the three health boards, South-Eastern, Midland and Mid-Western, have been consulted regarding their need for in-patient facilities for adolescents with drugs and alcohol problems.
Following these consultations, agreement has been reached between the South-Eastern Health Board and the trustees of the Aislinn Centre to establish a two year pilot project for a residential treatment centre for adolescents who substance abuse. This will be included as part of the South-Eastern Health Board's service plan for 1999 and the Department will endeavour to make provision for this as part of the 1999 Estimates requirement.
The question of capital funding for this project is currently under consideration in the Department and a decision on the matter will be communicated to Aislinn shortly.
