Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I was trying to summarise and my reply was very long. When the Deputy looks at my script, he will realise there was more to it than I stated. The strategy is mainly about heroin because that is where it all started. It was the drug of most concern in disadvantaged areas. I hear what the Deputy is saying about cannabis and other issues and I am not suggesting everything is perfect.

On the issue of the young man whom Deputy O'Shea knows, I accept rehabilitation and a continuum of care have comprised two weaknesses. People need different types of treatment. A high dependency detox bed, of which there are approximately 25 in the public sector nationally, is not necessary in every case, but it was a recommendation of the Rehab report, which went before the last meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion and will be published in the coming weeks. The statutory bodies have agreed on the recommendation for extra beds. A HSE group is working on a report on detox beds in respect of alcohol and drug addiction services.

Much has happened. I am not suggesting the situation is perfect, but the gaps are being closed and the situation is better every year. A high dependency detox bed might be necessary in the case referred to by the Deputy, but many speak of how they cannot get into Beaumont Hospital or Cuan Dara when entry is not always necessary. Rehabilitation and detox in the community with relevant and appropriate after-care is probably more important for most people. This is what we are trying to provide.

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