Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
734. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if funding is available for the treatment of patients with dual diagnosis of addiction and mental health abroad where no suitable treatment is available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9827/16]
View answerDual diagnosis is an area of priority for this government. The HSE is committed to developing a Dual Diagnosis Clinical Programme during 2016. Intensive dual diagnosis addiction and mental health in-reach programmes for homeless people will be supported from an overall additional €2m funding allocation for homeless mental health needs this year.
There is an established protocol within the HSE in relation to accessing treatment abroad for individuals with dual diagnosis of addiction and mental health. An applicant will generally be resident in Ireland and have completed a comprehensive assessment outlining their needs. The document Addiction Care Abroad (which can be accessed on the HSE website) outlines the process in detail.
