Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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622. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the presence of a number of methadone clinics in the north inner city area of Dublin; if he has had any discussions with the Health Service Executive regarding the location of these methadone clinics; if he has concerns that the presence of these clinics in the city centre may have an impact on tourism in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30730/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Fifty two clinics within the four Dublin Local Authority areas provide opioid substitution services. Six of these are based in Dublin city centre, with only one, City Clinic Amien Street, based in the north inner city area. The six city centre clinics cater for 1,365 people, which represents a third of the overall Dublin figure. City Clinic currently has 299 clients, of whom 242 live in the local area.

While I support the provision of services in local communities, some concentration of services in Dublin city centre is required in view of the number of clients from these areas and the fact that some people wish to avail of services outside their local area. This approach is in line with that in many EU countries.

HSE clinics, as well as a number of voluntary service providers, have "good neighbour" policies and protocols in place. Some provide a range of outreach and drop-in services to encourage engagement with a view to moving more people into treatment. CCTV is used at some centres to monitor movements and as an aid towards deterring anti-social behaviour.

While some instances of negative impacts on tourists arising from problem drug use in Dublin are reported, the perpetrators involved are not necessarily in receipt of drug treatment. In any case, drug treatment centres work closely with An Garda Síochána with the aim of minimising any potential problems.