Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe the medical model provides the sole answer because the majority of the two thirds who are discharged will end up back in the emergency department. There are very few projects and facilities on the northside of Dublin. One of the few services that exists on the northside manages to cover the cost of qualified therapists and counsellors, its premises, its information technology equipment and its other overheads on a budget of €150,000 per year. Despite working actively with 74 clients, it has no funding from the HSE. This service is working and similar services should be established in every town in this country.

I have tabled a later question on the €2.2 billion raised in taxes on alcohol products. Can some of this money be allocated specifically for treatment services? Proposals are being considered for the minimum pricing of alcohol but could we set a maximum price for soft drinks? When people go out for drinks sometimes the cost of alcohol is the same if not cheaper than that of a soft drink.

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