John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting for discussion the closing of Harristown House, the only public alcohol and drug treatment centre in the country funded by the probation service. Harristown House was established in 1998 as a residential treatment centre for offenders with alcohol and-or drug-related offences. It was originally supposed to take referrals from the courts only but in recent years has also taken referrals from the prisons.

The recent report of the probation service on Harristown House painted a picture of an institution with many problems but what must not be lost sight of is that this facility is badly needed in our modern life in this State. It has given the residents who have completed the six week course a chance to overcome their addictions with alcohol or drugs. The centre was run on a relatively small budget and, by helping to keep people out of prison, actually saved money in the long run. The cost of keeping someone prisoner is somewhere in the region of €100,000 whereas the cost of this facility was €460,000 last year.

The recent report of the probation service noted that the manager and some members of the staff did not co-operate with the report when it was being formulated. Part of the reason for that was because the previous reports, the Paxis and Brannigan reports, which had been largely positive were not followed through nor were their recommendations implemented. For example, one report indicated that 65% of residents did not reoffend after the course. These reports recommended the provision of greater supports in respect of staffing levels and facilities. If some of the recommendations of these reports had been implemented then many of the problems outlined in the most recent report may not have arisen.

The people affected by this closure are an extremely vulnerable sector of our society — all are addicted to alcohol or drugs, many left school early and have literacy and other learning difficulties, some have mental health issues, behavioural problems, poor employment records and prospects and some are estranged from their families. Therefore they are left with no possible source of support if this closure is implemented. Some 20 jobs are at stake and these people have not had a pay rise over the past number of years. They are not paid excessively.

Six residents took part in the report and told of their experiences. They said it was a good place but that it needed better facilities and that these facilities could be used as a reward for good behaviour. This was a cry for help from residents and they should not be forgotten. If it is to be closed, I ask that the problems be sorted out and that it be reopened as soon as possible.

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