Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I am advised by the Health Services Executive that, unfortunately, all hospitals in large urban areas, like most public buildings, face potential risks of drug dealing on their premises. Hospitals work closely with gardaí to minimise such activity and there are protocols in place to alert the Garda where concerns arise.

I understand the Deputy's question relates to media reports about widespread drug dealing within St. James's Hospital. St. James's Hospital refutes allegations of systematic drug dealing within the hospital. In the past, the hospital sought the advice of the Garda Síochána when a problem was identified, and having taken its advice on board, crime prevention measures have been implemented. The hospital is active in utilising CCTV and ultra violet lighting along with other recognised security measures in combating any form of drug abuse. Liaison is maintained between the hospital and the Garda on a 24-hour basis.

My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has advised me that a Garda inspector from Kilmainham Garda Station acts as a designated liaison officer to St. James's Hospital and that regular meetings are held between gardaí and the hospital authorities. This ongoing liaison is part of the implementation of the crime prevention initiative, Hospital Watch, which is due to be officially launched in St. James's Hospital in December. Hospital Watch schemes are already in place in Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Beaumont and the Mater hospitals to ensure that hospitals and their surroundings are safe places for patients and visitors.

Garda authorities further advise that while a number of complaints have been received of low level drug dealing taking place in the grounds of St. James's Hospital and in the vicinity of the adjacent Luas station, local gardaí are unaware of reports of open drug dealing within the wards, waiting areas or in the hospital corridors.

All reports of crime related activity in the area are vigorously investigated and dealt with in the appropriate manner.

Additional material not given on the floor of the House.

As the Deputy is aware the delivery of drug treatment programmes is the responsibility of the Health Services Executive. I am informed by it that the range and availability of treatment services has expanded considerably in recent years.

Services provided directly by the health boards include outreach services, education services, treatment services which include assessment, stabilisation, harm reduction measures, care planning, methadone maintenance, and counselling and detoxification within specialist clinics, residential settings and community settings. In addition, services are provided by a range of voluntary and community sector organisations which are funded and co-ordinated by the HSE. The cumulative increase in additional annual funding provided to the HSE to address the problem of drug misuse since 1997 amounts to approximately €57 million.

There are currently 66 drug treatment locations in the HSE areas compared with 12 in 1996. General practitioners and pharmacists also provide treatment services. At the end of September 2005 there were 7,619 people receiving methadone treatment compared with 1,861 at the end of December 1996.

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