asked the Minister for Health what facilities, if any, the Dublin Health Authority offers to drug addicts; and where any such facilities may be availed of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Addiction.
6.
The Dublin Health Authority offers treatment facilities to drug addicts through its general psychiatric services. In-patient treatment, as required, is provided in the health authority's psychiatric hospitals and treatment and advice is also given at out-patient psychiatric clinics.
The health authority, in collaboration with Jervis Street hospital authority, operates a special drugs advisory and treatment service at Jervis Street Hospital. I have approved a proposal from Dublin Health Authority to operate an adolescent centre, including treatment for drug abusers, in the authority's new buildings at Ushers Island and the provision of a high security unit for the treatment of drug abusers is at present being actively considered.
7.
andMrs. Burke asked the Minister for Health what progress has been made to date by the commission on drug addiction; and what steps have been taken to implement any interim recommendations made.
I presume that the Deputies are referring to the working party on drug abuse. As I indicated in a reply to a question on 5th May, 1970, I expect to receive the final recommendations of the working party later this year.
A statement was issued on 3rd November, 1969, on my behalf, by the Government Information Bureau regarding interim recommendations made to me by the working party and the action taken thereon.
The following is the position:—
(a) The working party recommended that proposed legislation, which I had announced, for dealing with the unauthorised possession of certain drugs should be enacted as soon as possible. They also endorsed the action taken by me with a view to restricting the use of amphetamines in medicine.
The unauthorised possession of certain classes of drugs not covered by the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1934, (e.g. amphetamines, LSD and barbiturates) is now an offence under the Health (Possession of Controlled Substances) Regulations, 1970, which came into operation on 18th May, 1970. The regulations were made under section 78 of the Health Act, 1970. These statutory controls are intended as an interim measure pending the enactment of legislation containing more comprehensive measures for the control of drug abuse. This legislation is at present in course of preparation. The Medical Preparations (Control of Amphetamine) Regulations, 1969, made early in December, 1969, prohibit generally the manufacture, importation, sale and distribution of amphetamines, and preparations containing such substances.
Arising out of the arrangements made under the regulations, stocks of amphetamines held by retail chemists, health authorities, hospitals etc. throughout the country have been gathered in one centre for safe-keeping and further disposal.
(b) The working party supported the measures taken by my Department, some of which were the subject of special recommendations by them, to ensure security against theft and pilferage of drugs liable to abuse from various sources, e.g., hospitals, health authorities, manufacturers, pharmacies, etc. The general position in this respect is being kept under constant review.
(c) Joint discussions have been held between the appropriate Government Departments regarding the measures to be taken in relation to the smuggling of drugs into this country. Further discussions are being arranged.
(d) The strength of the Garda Drug Squad has been substantially increased with the assignment of additional personnel and I understand that arrangements have been made for their special training.
(e) The position regarding the use of forged prescriptions by persons endeavouring to obtain drugs has been kept under review; and retail pharmacists in the Dublin area were specially alerted in the matter.
(f) I have dealt with the question of treatment facilities for persons dependent on drugs in my reply today to Question No. 6 by Deputy Doctor Noël Browne.
(g) My Department have taken steps with a view to the establishment of a system of registration of persons dependent on drugs, as recommended by the working party.