Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to provide funding and supports for vital services and resources for children who have a drink or drug dependency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12443/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) currently makes €91 million available for its drugs services overall: this includes an additional €6 million which was allocated for key priorities in Budget 2007.

The HSE's addiction services prioritise under 18s for whom there is no waiting list for methadone substitution. In addition, performance indicators in use in the HSE indicate that in mid-2007 (the latest date for which the relevant collated data are available), appropriate treatment commenced for over 99% of substances misusers under the age of 18 within one calendar month of presenting.

Any requirements for additional resources for this category will be considered in the context of overall HSE service developments for 2009.