Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

Tom Moffatt

Ceist:

86 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Health the consultative process, if any, undertaken by his Department or the various health boards before it sets up drug treatment or information centres in the various communities where such centres are established. [15677/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The provision of drug treatment services is a matter for each health board in the first instance. Drug treatment or information centres are set up in locations determined by the health needs in that area and the availability of suitable premises.

The level of consultation with various interests differs from area to area depending on the type of facility being provided. The most recent fully functional community drug centre is the city clinic at Amiens Street. In this case there was on-going consultation with local groups. Indeed the services provided by this centre have been so effective that local representatives and community groups are requesting additional services to be put in place. While consultation is necessary and appropriate, each health board has an obligation to ensure that services are available to those who are in urgent need of them.