Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health to outline his assessment regarding the success of the assertive case management team in addressing the problem of persons taking drugs on Dublin city centre streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24137/15]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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In September 2014, the HSE, in partnership with a local voluntary service provider, the Housing First service and An Garda Síochána set up an assertive case management programme to engage with a high-risk cohort who are involved in anti-social behaviour and/or public drug use. The pilot programme aims to provide shared care planning for these individuals, who have complex needs, and address their issues of homelessness and addiction using shared resources.

44 individuals have signed up to case management with the assertive case management team since the programme began. 42 service users who had previously not been engaging with services are continuing to access the services. The team has also engaged with local businesses and initiatives to provide a direct referral route for individuals who may be negatively impacting on business. It also takes on a role in disposing of drug paraphernalia and liaises with Dublin City Council where large quantities need to be disposed of. The next step is to evaluate the programme, and review its effectiveness in light of the overall outcomes of the service for the individuals involved.