Helen Keogh
Ceist:117 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health the reason a drugs counsellor has not been appointed to County Wicklow; the plans, if any, he has to appoint such a counsellor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10197/96]
Written Answers. - Drugs Counsellor Appointment.
Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of drug treatment services in Wicklow is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
The Government decision of 20 February 1996 on demand reduction measures to prevent drug misuse allowed for the further development of services in the Eastern Health Board. Following this decision the board has reviewed its drug service and has initiated a development plan for 1996. This service plan includes the recruitment of additional staff. The board has assured me that recruitment is currently under way and these additional staff will be targeted at areas where the need for such service is greatest. The board is keeping the drug misuse situation in the Wicklow area under review and will respond to needs as they arise. This will ensure that all parts of the board's area of operation including Wicklow will have a service.