John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 231: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the directive which has been issued to the Health Service Executive regarding the treatment for alcohol addiction problems in view of the fact that if persons are referred for treatment by the general practitioner they are not allowed entry to a hospital facility; the steps she will take to have a facility set up in counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33967/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Current national policy on the treatment of alcohol abuse, as set out in Planning for the Future, stipulates that the emphasis in the management of alcohol related problems should be on community-based interventions. The Health Service Executive already provides and will continue to develop a range of comprehensive community-based support services appropriate to the needs of persons affected and afflicted by alcohol abuse. These services include family support and community, medical and social services in the management of the problem.

The main therapeutic tools in the treatment of alcohol addiction are psychotherapy, counselling, family and marital therapy, either individually or in group settings. Therapy may take place in residential or day settings. As alcohol related problems occur, in many instances in local and family settings, the community-based response can be direct and early, thereby reducing the associated levels of physical, psychological and social problems.

The provision of services in Sligo and Leitrim are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.