Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

Batt O'Keeffe

Ceist:

170 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has been approached regarding the provision of syringe vending machines and secure needle disposal units in areas of Dublin; and his view in this regard. [8691/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

My Department has not been approached regarding the provision of syringe vending machines and secure needle disposal units in areas of Dublin. However the provision of drug services, including needle exchange, is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the authority and have asked that a response be issued directly to him regarding this matter.

The objective of needle/syringe exchange programmes is to reduce and prevent further morbidity problems encountered by the intravenous drug using cohort; to reduce the spread of blood borne viruses and illnesses and to offer an initial contact with services for intravenous drug users. They are an intrinsic part of a comprehensive drug treatment programme.

The drug treatment service, including needle exchange programmes in the eastern region were recently independently evaluated and the evaluator found that remarkable progress had been achieved in a short time in developing a comprehensive range of drug treatment services. In so far as needle exchange is concerned, the evaluator recommended that the possibilities for further expansion of the service should be explored. This is currently under consideration by those managing the service. In this context, all reasonable options for the provision of such services will be reviewed in the light of experience of their operation both here and elsewhere. The practicalities involved in such options would also, obviously, require careful consideration as well as the public safety issues which arise.