Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

Monica Barnes

Question:

42 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Health and Children the in-patient drug detoxification facilities that exist at present; the number of patients treated in such facilities in each of the years 1998, 1999 and 2000; the number on waiting lists for such facilities; and the Government's proposals, if any, to create any additional drug-free rehabilitation places. [18412/00]

Alan Shatter

Question:

131 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the in-patient drug detoxification facilities that exist at present; the number of patients treated in such facilities in each of the years 1998, 1999 and 2000; the number on waiting lists for such facilities; and the Government's proposals, if any, to create any additional drug-free rehabilitation places. [18557/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 131 together.

The provision of detoxification facilities is the statutory responsibility of each health board. People who need detoxification outside the East ern Regional Health Authority area are provided with services mainly in psychiatric hospitals. Admissions to psychiatric hospitals are reported by the Health Research Board in its annual report on "Irish Psychiatric Services Activities". The most recent year for which figures are available is 1998. The number of admissions in that year with a diagnosis of drug dependence was 689. Drug-free facilities are also provided through facilities run by voluntary organisations, many of which are part funded by the health boards.

The Eastern Regional Health Authority has advised me that detoxification is provided at Cuan Dara, Cherry Orchard Hospital, St Michael's Ward, Beaumont Hospital and Cuan Mhuire, Athy.

Figures requested by the Deputies are as follows:–

Numbers of patients treated in such facilities in each of the years, 1998, 1999 and 2000

Facility	1998	1999	2000 (to date)
Cuan Dara	159	176	87
St. Michael's, Beaumont	196	195	81
Cuan Mhuire/ Merchants Quay	74	79	49

Numbers waiting for detoxification treatment

Facility	Under 18	Over 18
Cuan Dara	12	45
St. Michael's, Beaumont	none	22
Cuan Mhuire/Merchants Quay	none	none

During 2000 the Eastern Regional Health Authority will establish a 12 bed stabilisation unit at Cherry Orchard Hospital and a 20 bed downstream detoxification unit in St Mary's Hospital. These additional facilities, which are drug-free, with a heavy emphasis on counselling and group therapy, will address the present waiting lists for detoxification services.