Dan Neville
Question:268 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the specific support structures that are in place for the protection of children of drug addicts in each of the health board areas. [26950/00]
Written Answers. - Child Support Services.
Children of drug addicts would generally be regarded as being in a vulnerable position and boards would respond to their needs on the basis of the facts of individual cases. Children of drug users often find it difficult to lead a normal childhood. Their everyday life may lack stability and material and emotional resources. Support systems are necessary for these children and their parents.
In 1999 the drug misuse research division of the HRB carried out a study on the availability, use and evaluation of the provision of crèche facilities in association with drug treatment in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area. Only a small number of drug treatment clinics provided such facilities. The report made recommendations regarding enhancing the present provision of facilities and also regarding further training of existing crèche staff to deal with specific issues which might arise. Drugs service managers, in conjunction with child care managers in the ERHA, are working to implement these recommendations and to improve crèche facilities for drug misusers.
Under the Government's initiative on drugs, the Taoiseach allocated £34.8 million in 1999 to the young people's facilities and services fund, to develop youth facilities and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drugs problem exists or has the potential to develop. This funding provides for a wide variety of community based prevention programmes, including early school leaving programmes, after-school activities, sports and recreational activities, family support programmes, art, drama, and music programmes, counselling and transport services.