Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:55 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason action 59 in the national drugs strategy has not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11921/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 May 2004
Ceisteanna (46)
Freagraí scríofa
Responsibility for the provision of drug treatment services rests with the health boards/authority in the first instance. I have been advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, that the addiction services in the three area health boards within the eastern region provide a range of interventions for those with drug misuse problems. These services include education, outreach, counselling, nursing and medical interventions such as methadone detoxification and methadone maintenance therapies. The addiction services also provide a range of residential treatment options for individuals.
I am also advised that action 59 of the national drugs strategy, which seeks to ensure easy access to counselling services for young people seeking assistance with drug related problems, has been implemented in the three area health boards. Counselling services are provided to young people seeking treatment. This cohort is prioritised throughout the addiction services and consent of parents and guardians is sought prior to commencement of treatment for under 18 year olds. Initial assessments are carried out on all clients seeking counselling to ensure the appropriate service is offered.
In addition to prioritisation of under 18 year olds, the area health boards have appointed a senior manager to develop strategies to reduce the levels of self harm. In 2003, the addiction service in the South Western Area Health Board, SWAHB, appointed a consultant psychiatrist to provide services to young people with substance misuse problems.
I am further advised that the drug treatment centre board established a dedicated young person's programme in 2001 to meet the needs of young drug users. This programme is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of a counsellor, doctor, nurse, psychologist, project workers and a team leader. This team provides a range of services designed to meet the multifaceted needs of young drug users, including immediate access to counselling services. Each client has a designated counsellor as part of their treatment plan and there is no waiting list for access to this programme. In 2003, this programme was further enhanced by the appointment of a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with a special interest in substance misuse.
Furthermore, the development of a protocol for the treatment of under 18 year olds presenting with serious drug problems is one of the actions set out in the national drugs strategy 2001-2008. The ERHA established a working group, chaired by an official from my Department and comprising a broad range of statutory and non-statutory service providers and community representatives, in October 2001. I understand its report is now being finalised and is due for discussion at the June meeting of the interdepartmental group on drugs, chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern.