Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 6

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

74 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider establishing a residential drug treatment centre for Dublin's northside as a first phase of a process of rehabilitation from drug use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16154/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of drug treatment services in the Dublin area is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board in the first instance.

However, I understand from the Eastern Health Board that the provision of in-patient detoxification beds in its area is an important part of the range of treatments available for drug misusers. Currently there are 17 such beds in the Cuan Dara Unit, Cherry Orchard and ten beds in Beaumont Hospital. This level of provision compares favourably with international figures and will be augmented this year with the provision of a stabilisation unit in Cherry Orchard Hospital consisting of 12 beds and a downstream unit in St Mary's Hospital consisting of 20 beds which gives a total of 32 further beds.

The board also assists financially a number of organisations who provide residential drug treatment i.e. the Coolmine Therapeutic Centre and the Merchant's Quay project. Individuals and families from Dublin's Northside do and will have access to these services.

At present, the board is in the process for drawing up a rehabilitation strategy. This process involves extensive consultation with community-voluntary groups, local drug task forces and other interested parties. The process is due for completion in August 1999.