Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health his views on the notified proposed reduction in clinical sessions at the satellite drugs clinics in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he will understand the concerns of the projects in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53557/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the review and reconfiguration of nursing services in the Addiction Services in the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster region. I am advised by the HSE that the provision of nursing services in drug treatment centres will not change under the new arrangements. However, access to nursing services in satellite drug clinics which deal with smaller numbers and cater for those whose drug use has stabilised, will be determined through referral from the clinic doctor. An appointment system will be managed by nurse management. In this way the needs of the service users attending satellite clinics will be accommodated and they will not be compromised clinically by this change. The arrangements put in place by the HSE would appear to be reasonable in the circumstances.