Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 3

Written Answers - Drug Abuse.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

30 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health his views on the problems related to drug addiction; the measures, if any, he intends to introduce to address this serious escalating problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11982/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): In 1991 the Government published a strategy to prevent drug misuse. The strategy recognised that the problem of drug misuse is a complex and difficult one to which there are no easy or instant solutions. It proposed, therefore, a multi-disciplinary approach requiring action in the areas of supply reduction, demand reduction and increased access to treatment and rehabilitation programmes, together with a comprehensive co-ordinated structure geared towards their implementation.

Since the publication of the strategy my Department has been working on the implementation of its recommendations and has been concentrating on developing a comprehensive network of services in order to provide an effective response to the problem. Particular attention has been paid to the provision of services in the Dublin area where the intravenous drug abuse is a feature, because of the need to prevent the spread of HIV through the sharing of dirty needles. Each year since 1992 substantial additional funding has been allocated to the Eastern Health Board to allow it develop a wide range of services. During 1995 it is intended to open additional satellite clinics, a new detoxification unit and additional rehabilitation spaces to cater for drug misusers. The Eastern Health Board has also established an Eastern Region Co-ordinating Committee with representation from the board, the Department of Justice, the Garda, the Prison Service, the education sector and voluntary organisations. This committee will monitor the drug misuse situation in order to ensure that the response of the various agencies involved is delivered in a co-ordinated fashion.

I am conscious of the need to keep the issue of drug misuse under continuous review and it is my aim to continue with the development of preventive, treatment and rehabilitation services as appropriate.