Seanad debates

Wednesday, 19 February 2003

National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008: Statements.

 

There is a major problem with regard to funding. Most of the treatment centres receive funding under the section 65 provision, for which the Eastern Regional Health Authority has responsibility. There is a long-standing dispute in the centres because the funding has not kept pace with the additional funding the Government provides to the task forces. There may be a case for streamlining all funding through one Department rather than through the health boards. Significant voluntary work is done by people who, unpaid, put in 16 hour days. In effect, these individuals take on the responsibility of the health boards. If we are to take this matter seriously, we must realise that it will be a long campaign to stem drugs misuse and that we need these centres to make the interventions we need. I ask the Minister of State to consider streamlining the funding from his Department for these centres because funding from the health boards has not kept pace with the level of funding required.

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