Vol. 483 No. 2
60 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Health and Children if the logical conclusion from the recent Garda report regarding crime in Dublin would be that crime could be massively reduced were every heroin addict to be urgently provided with a place on a treatment, rehabilitation and after care programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17068/97]
It is recognised that there is an association between heroin misuse and the incidence of crime. The Garda Síochána annual report for 1996 shows that almost all controlled drug proceedings involving heroin in 1996 took place in the Dublin metropolitan area region, where they accounted for 35 per cent (430) of total drug proceedings in that area. We know also from the Health Research Board and from the reports of the ministerial task force on measures to reduce the demand for drugs that the heroin problem is confined in the main to the greater Dublin area and that it is most acute in the areas of the greatest social and economic disadvantage.
The Government strategy to prevent drug misuse recognises that a multi-sectoral approach, involving supply reduction, demand reduction and increased access to treatment programmes, coupled with a comprehensive co-ordinated structure to ensure effective implementation is required to tackle the heroin problem.
The ministerial task force identified a response to the heroin problem as a priority and its recommendations in relation to service provision included that the Eastern Health Board waiting list be eliminated in 1997. The health board produced a service plan to achieve this target and since the beginning of the year the board has made significant progress on implementation of the plan. Services have been expanded in the areas of education, prevention, detoxification, treatment and rehabilitation. Since the beginning of the year over 900 new people have been provided with treatment, through the board's six addiction centres, 15 satellite clinics or through their general practitioners. Other locations have been identified for treatment facilities, and the board is working, in consultation with local communities, on the establishment of these facilities in the coming months.
I am confident that the elimination of waiting lists for treatment will have a significant impact on reducing the heroin problem. However, expanding health services alone will not solve the problem. Consequences of opiate abuse and addiction on personal lives and community life include becoming involved in crime and obtaining a criminal record, which in turn negatively affect a person's future chances of obtaining employment, of breaking the cycle of addiction and of reintegration into society.
