Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
357 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the funds he allocated to the North Eastern Health Board to provide counselling and support services for the families of drug abusers, for the period 2002 to 2004, inclusive; if he can confirm the drug initiatives he will launch in the board’s area in 2004; if the board received the same funding as the Eastern Regional Health Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5982/04]
View answerDrug treatment and related services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. My Department allocated funding to the NEHB to address the drug abuse in the region. The allocation for the past three years is as follows: €842,000 in 2002; €874,000 in 2003; and €893,000 in 2004.
The funding allocated to boards reflect a number of factors, including the prevalence and severity of drug abuse, population size and an assessment of relative need. Funding allocated to the ERHA reflects its population size and the prevalence of drug abuse.
The NEHB's chief executive officer informed me that it provides a comprehensive range of services in the area of substance abuse. Services are delivered in conjunction with general practitioners and pharmacists within primary care settings. Counselling, outreach, education and prevention services are provided in community settings such as schools, third level institutions and sports clubs. The board's service also embraces community development through working with groups such as the Drogheda Drugs and Alcohol Forum, the South Meath Alcohol and Drug Misuse Response and the Pillar Support group for parents of drug users.
The board also provides secondary and tertiary care through counselling and outreach, involving families where appropriate. Secondary and tertiary care is also facilitated through links with the psychiatric and psychology services, voluntary agencies such as the Bradan day programme and Tabor House. There is also a link with residential rehabilitation programmes such as those offered by Aislinn and Rutland. The board is also a lead agency in the regional drugs task force and has co-ordinated its establishment under the national drugs strategy.
The board's chief executive officer informed me that it is constantly looking at new and innovative ways to enhance its services. That includes the following: the provision of information nights for parents in schools and other settings; the provision of information and advice for young people and parents through its interactive website and helpline; the training of parents in communication skills, self-esteem development, coping mechanisms; and the provision of skills to support others in similar situations. The board expects to launch the regional drugs task force action plan this year.
