Trevor Sargent
Ceist:81 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the closure of Trinity Court; and his views on the adequacy of resources and facilities for residential or home treatment of drug users. [5824/02]
Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.
I wish to advise the Deputy that Trinity Court Drug Treatment Centre has not closed. Drug treatment services are provided through 57 locations, including Trinity Court, in the health boards in the Eastern Regional Health Authority. Services provided include a range of interventions including methadone substitution, detoxification, needle exchange and drug free treatment. Residential facilities are provided when such services are clinically indicated.
The three area health boards of the ERHA directly provide inpatient detoxification facilities at Cuan Dara, which is a 17 bed in-patient facility at Cherry Orchard Hospital, St Michael's Ward, Beaumont Hospital which is a ten bed in-patient detoxification and stabilisation unit and a 20 bed downstream facility in St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park which was opened last year. In addition, the three area health boards fund a number of agencies to provide residential services for treatment and rehabilitation. Out-patient detoxification programmes are available from services within the three area health boards.
The area health boards are aware of the continuing need for stabilisation for drug misusers. A 12 bed stabilisation unit has been planned for the South-Western Area Health Board. The board has advertised internationally to recruit staff for this unit.
Health boards are also working with local drugs task forces to develop appropriate and effective treatment interventions for drug misusers. In the majority of cases the preferred option is to provide services to the person in their own local area where local supports can be accessed.