John Bruton
Ceist:211 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his programme to deal with the problems of addiction to prescribed drugs, particularly tranquilisers.
Written Answers. - Prescribed Drugs Addiction Programme.
The Government have initiated a drugs strategy aimed at rationalising the use of prescription medication in the State.
As part of this strategy, the Govenment established the National Therapeutics Advisory Committee which is charged with examining all aspects of current prescribing. The committee will, in the context of its overall work programme, be examining the area of addiction to prescribed medicines and making recommendations as to how this matter can best be dealt with.
The drugs strategy was devised in accordance with the recommendations of the review group on the GMS which reported in 1991. The strategy is aimed not alone at creating a consciousness of the cost consequences of prescribing but also at encouraging both prescribers and the public alike to question the need for prescription medication. One of the recommendations of that group was that a programme of public education be undertaken with a view to re-shaping public attitudes to prescribing and promoting more self-sufficiency in the management of common self limiting medical problems.
As an initial step in this regard, a poster has been devised, in consultation with the ICGP and the IMO, for display in all areas where prescriptions are issued. These posters have been distributed to all general practitioners and are currently being issued to all health boards and hospitals. It is planned that further initiatives will be taken in this area throughout the course of the year.
As regards persons who have problems of addiction to controlled drugs, in line with the Government strategy to prevent drug misuse, published in May 1991, there is a range of treatment programmes available from various locations, including the regional health boards; the Drug Treatment Centre, Trinity Court, Dublin 2; the EHB Outreach Project, Coolmine Therapeutic Community; Anna Liffey Drug Project; Ballymun Action Project; Merchant's Quay Project; Arbour House and the St. Francis Training Centre, Cork, and individual general practitioner services.