Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

244 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received correspondence from a residents' association (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and the steps, if any, he has taken to deal with their concerns. [4026/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I wish to confirm that I have received correspondence from a residents' association regarding their concerns about the development of facilities for those affected by drug misuse in their area. I have been in touch with Eastern Health Board about the matter and I will issue a reply to the association in the next few days.

As the Deputy will be aware, the development of drug treatment facilities in the Dublin area is a matter for the Eastern Health Board which has statutory responsibility for the provision of such facilities. I have every confidence that the board will establish the proper facilities in the appropri ate manner for the community and I urge local representatives to be supportive of the health board in their work providing local services for the people in their own area.