Vol. 512 No. 7
38 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of drug abusers in Dublin; the number of detoxification beds available; if his attention has been drawn to the need for additional detoxification beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26969/99]
Drug misuse in Ireland takes two forms, opiate abuse which is confined mainly to the greater Dublin area and the misuse of other drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, tranquillisers, LSD, inhalants-solvents and magic mushrooms which is a nationwide phenomenon. Due to the illicit nature of drug misuse, it is difficult to get a clear estimate of the extent of the problem.
There is no hard data available but various estimates have been made on the number of misusers in the country. Estimates of the numbers using opiates in the greater Dublin area range from around 8,500 to 13,500.
As the Deputy will be aware the provision of detoxification facilities for drug misusers in the Dublin area is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance. I understand from the board that there is currently a 17 bed in-patient stabilisation unit at Cuan Dara in Cherry Orchard Hospital. There is also a 10 bed detoxification unit at Beaumont Hospital. In addition, the Eastern Health Board provides resources for a post-detoxification unit operated by the Merchants Quay Project in High Park, Drumcondra. It also provides funding for a post detoxification rehabilitation unit at Cuan Mhuire in Athy.
The board is continuing to expand its drugs services including the number of detoxification beds available to drug misusers and will shortly open a 20 bed downstream detoxification unit in St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park. Staff for this unit are currently being recruited and it is planned to open the facility early in 2000. A 12 bed in-patient stabilisation unit is also being developed at Cherry Orchard Hospital. Staff for this unit are also in the process of being recruited and it is hoped this unit will be commissioned early next year.
