Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for allowing me to re-table this matter and the Minister for attending. The issues of drugs and drug treatment have presented challenges for many communities. I am highlighting the drugs issue on the Adjournment in light of the plans of the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, the HSE and other agencies to improve waiting times for drug rehabilitation, intervention and detoxification facilities in the Cork region.

Drug addiction requires a multi-agency and multifaceted plan if the criminal, drug user and pre-user levels are to be tackled. More resources and treatment places are necessary. We need a serious debate on the matter, particularly on the reasons for young people's attraction to drug use and what factors make some more susceptible to addiction than others. We must ask who profits from the sale of illegal drugs and the infection of thousands of people. Are they common criminals or do they have links with paramilitaries? This is a question that I asked in the House previously.

There is a deficit of treatment places and programmes in the Cork region. The waiting list of up to 150 heroin users for methadone treatment at the Arbour House treatment centre, which is run by the HSE, is a disgrace to us all, especially the Government. Two doctors operate as one whole-time equivalent doctor to administer the programme in a county the size of Cork. Not only is there a waiting time, but there is a lack of expansion in the methadone treatment programme to community pharmacists and a deficit in education. It must be acknowledged that we do not have enough rehab beds. Cork has no detox beds at all. As I stated previously, the report of Dr. Mai Mannix highlighted the fact that the region should have 24 beds, 12 of which should be in Cork city.

Over the years, drug rehabilitation outside Dublin has suffered a considerable lack of funding. Drug prevention and rehabilitation projects must comprise the cornerstone of any strategy. The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill placed the role of the Garda as a cornerstone. I am confident that gardaí in Cork have a plan, but do the Government and the HSE have one? Under articles 48 and 72 of the national drugs strategy, treatment and rehabilitation centres are required.

The HSE's report of the working group on the residential treatment and rehabilitation of substance users and the availability of dedicated drug residential places made strong recommendations. I will not go through them, but that report must be implemented, particularly in terms of detox and providing access to facilities. A waiting list to access treatment is not good enough. I look forward to the Minister's reply.