Vol. 457 No. 4
45 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to improve the level of treatment for young drug-addicted persons who wish to receive treatment and who are currently on waiting lists for such treatment in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/95]
Limerick East): The provision of services for drug misusers in the Dublin area is a matter for the Eastern health Board in the first instance. Since 1992 special funding has been allocated to the board each year for the development of services for drug misusers. I am aware that the misuse of drugs is a growing problem and that there are waiting lists for treatment at all treatment centres.
The extension of the present level of services in the Eastern Health Board is a priority. Before the end of the year, the board will have opened two further community drug centres, which will operate in addition to the three community drug centres at Baggot Street, Amiens Street and Ballyfermot and the Drug Treatment Centre in Pearse Street. In addition, the board will continue with the development of further services around the Dublin area.
On Thursday, 19 October last, I opened a new ten bed detoxification unit at Cherry Orchard Hospital, which doubles the number of detoxification beds available in Dublin. The Eastern Health Board has also recently expanded the number of community drug teams, which comprise addiction counsellors and outreach workers, to operate in local areas where the need is identified.
For young drug users who are not addicted to opiates the Talbot Centre, which is located in the north inner city area, provides counselling and support. The board also continues to fund a number of voluntary organisations including Coolmine Therapeutic Community, Merchants Quay Project and Anna Liffey Drug Project to provide services to drug misusers.
