Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

We will continue to work with the HSE, which is the health authority with responsibility for this matter. Extra beds are being provided but more are needed. Whereas alcohol is a serious drug and one that is highly abused, it does not come under the drug strategy of my Department. Whether one can separate the problem of alcohol from opiate abuse is an issue we have debated many times in the past. We have an open mind on this and it warrants debate. It is worth noting that 50% of beds are needed for alcohol detoxification as opposed to drug detoxification but we will continue to work with the HSE on this matter.

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