Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:5 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs has met since he took office. [5977/99]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs met on two occasions in 1997, on eight occasions in 1998 and twice in 1999. The next meeting is scheduled for 15 April 1999.
Was it the original intention that this Cabinet committee would meet monthly? If so, what is the reason for the change in policy? Has the issue of replacing methadone substitution treatment been discussed? Has the policy of methadone treatment been raised at meetings of the committee? Has an alternative to that form of treatment been discussed? If so, what were the committee's deliberations?
The first part of the Deputy's question is in order, but the Minister of State may comment on the second part if he wishes.
The Deputy is correct that it was intended the committee would, in so far as possible, meet on a monthly basis. The figures I outlined indicate the schedule. The committee meets as frequently as possible and we endeavour to do so on a monthly basis. The committee met twice in October 1998, on 1 and 29 October.
As I indicated to the Deputy when he last raised this general issue, methadone treatment was discussed briefly at meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs. We are awaiting detailed information from the national drugs strategy team because this issue is hotly debated in the public arena by professionals, users and carers. I expect the issue probably will be dealt with in more detail when the advisory committee is established. I am happy to inform the Deputy that I have circulated proposals on the establishment of this committee to my relevant ministerial colleagues and I have received their responses. I hope to be in a position in the next two to three months to announce the establishment of the advisory group. It will be able to independently address issues of the type raised by the Deputy.
We have the Cabinet committee and the national drugs strategy team, and the Government is now establishing a new advisory committee. What are the terms of reference of the new advisory body?
It was proposed in the original ministerial task force report, drawn up under the auspices of the then Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, that an advisory group should be established to give independent advice to the Government of the day. All Members support that initiative on the basis that there are conflicting views with regard to treatment, etc. We will consider specific terms of reference in the establishment of that body and consult the sub-group which is currently examining this issue. However, the terms of reference will conform with the original intention of the advisory group as proposed in the ministerial task force report.
Arising from the Minister of State's reference to the current emphasis on methadone, does he agree the lack of rehabilitation and after care services is one of the reasons for the increasing waiting lists? There are approximately 600 to 700 people on waiting lists for clinics. For example, the city clinic in Amiens Street currently provides methadone to 350 addicts. These people cannot move on to anywhere else so they continue to accept methadone in the clinic. A waiting list builds up because of the lack of rehabilitation and after care services. Has the original objective of securing private sector corporate funding to supplement the money available to the committee been realised? Will the Minister of State clarify the position in that regard?
Regarding the second issue raised by Deputy Gregory, funding from the corporate sector is through the Irish Youth Foundation which makes a significant contribution towards the provision of facilities and services for disadvantaged young people in specific areas covered by local drugs task forces. We will be in a position shortly to announce the level of that contribution. It is substantial and increasing. We are pleased about that because it complements Government funding.
On rehabilitation and care of misusers as they proceed through treatment, my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, has provided up to 1,000 FÁS places for that area. There has been some delay in the take-up of those places because it depends on individuals coming through the treatment services being in a position to take up a place. We are currently developing those places and they will make an important contribution towards the care and rehabilitation of misusers.
I appeal to the private sector to be more willing to employ misusers who are going through the treatment process. We understand the complexities of the issue, but I propose to contact the employers to discuss this matter formally because they too have a significant role to play, though I accept responsibility for ensuring that care and rehabilitation is provided, and that the National Drugs Strategy Team has an important role to play in this.
Could the Minister specify what aftercare services and rehabilitation projects are available to misusers other than places on FÁS courses to which he referred?
That is a detailed question about which I have not had notice. I will provide the information sought directly to the Deputy.