Health Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2005

Thursday, 17 February 2005

Ceisteanna (54)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

54 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason no drug treatment is available for drug users under the age of 16 who are not heroin users. [5534/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for drug treatment services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the HSE to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.