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

The Minister of State's answer is very welcome. I still believe recovery is the ultimate goal, but, in the meantime, we need innovative strategies to deal with the people concerned, the kernel of which are compassion and dignity. I refer to the issue of detox beds and draw the Minister of State's attention to a winter strategy used in London in the 1990s. Unused office space was taken over and a floor set aside for those who were homeless and had an addiction but who wanted to embark on a detox programme. The project reached a cohort of extremely vulnerable people. The criteria for entry into a detox programme do not suit poly drug users who are homeless and who, in many cases, have mental health issues.

In terms of a timeframe, I hope the Government will not fall before the legislation is passed. This is World Aids Day and this issue is part of that bigger debate. I ask the Minister of State to verify that additional funding will be provided and that the centres will not be funded from the current drugs budget.

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