Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drug Centre Location.

Pat Upton

Ceist:

55 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health the date on which the decision was made to locate a drug treatment centre in the Weir Home, Cork Street, Dublin 8; the agency which made this decision; the persons or organisations who originated the proposal; and the people/organisations/agencies who were consulted before the proposal was made. [18349/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan

, Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of services for drug misusers in the Dublin area is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance.

The south inner city area has been identified by the board as one where the abuse of drugs is a cause for concern. The board recognised, that as part of its response to the problem the provision of a community drug treatment centre was necessary. The Weir Home was identified for such a centre because of its location and suitable facilities.

I am aware of unease among local communities about the provision of community drug treatment centres in their areas. I have asked the Eastern Health Board to approach the development of such centres with the utmost sensitivity and with the fullest consultation with local communities. I would also appeal to such communities to help facilitate the provision of treatment facilities for drug misusers in their own areas. I am aware that consultation, both with the wider community in the south inner city and interests in the immediate locality of the Weir Home have been taking place for the past six weeks, and are continuing.

With regard to the specific questions raised by the Deputy, he will recognise that proposals such as the one in question very often emerge following a process of deliberation at various levels within an organisation such as the Eastern Health Board. For this reason it is not possible to be specific about the details requested in the Deputy's question.