Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

256 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the difficulties facing staff in Pearse Street Drug Centre, Dublin 2; the situation regarding the threat of strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16609/98]

Tony Gregory

Question:

263 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons the agreement reached in July 1997 regarding pay and conditions at the Drug Treatment Centre, Trinity Court, Dublin 2, has not been implemented. [15671/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 263 together.

On 17 July 1997 agreement was reached between representatives of the drug treatment centre and the union representing staff relating to the enhancement of services within the centre. On 18 July 1997 a High Court action by local traders prohibited any enhancement of services until the traders' case was resolved. On legal advice the board of the drug treatment centre was precluded from ratifying the agreement pending resolution of the High Court action. A High Court settlement was finally agreed on 4 March 1998 when the proposed enhancement process recommenced. Since that date the drug treatment centre has been working to implement the terms of the agreement. At a meeting last Thursday, 25 June, between representatives of staff, the drug treatment centre board, IMPACT, the Health Service Employers Agency and my Department, agreement was reached on pay and conditions and the implementation dates of the terms of the agreement and my Department is working closely with the Eastern Health Board and the drug treatment centre to ensure that the implementation dates will be adhered to and that all the terms of the agreement will be fully implemented at the earliest possible date.