I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 149 together.
As the Deputies are aware the Eastern Health Board is the statutory body with responsibility for the provision of drug treatment services in the Dublin area and as such has responsibility with regard to all elements in the operation of drug treatment centers.
Following the unfortunate incident, to which the Deputy refers, I received a full report from the board on the circumstances surrounding the incident. I understand that the board took the following steps immediately after the incident: a new security firm was put in place; additional security measures were put in place at the centre; a further review of all arrangements for the storage and dispensing of methadone at all of the board's drug treatment centres began.
The board will also be discussing with security firms the issue of suitability of security officers provided by all security firms who are contracted to the board.
The Deputies will also be aware that the Garda are currently investigating all the circumstances surrounding the incident and the board is co-operating fully with this investigation. I further understand that the Garda commenced a review of security arrangements in the Dún Laoghaire centre on Tuesday last, 27 January 1998 as part of an overall review of security at all of the board's centres. I am satisfied that the board will immediately implement any recommendations arising from that review.
The board will continue to keep my Department advised as information becomes available.
