Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

794. To ask the Minister for Health his views in relation to the fact that the legal framework provided for under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 allowing custodial drugs treatment placements as an alternative to standard custodial sentences for suitable candidates has not been implemented; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41597/16]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Health is primarily responsible for the health related aspects of drug policy. Under the Misuse of Drugs (Custodial Treatment Centre) Order, 1980 (S.I. No. 30 of 1980) the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, Dublin is designated as a place where persons convicted of certain specified offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 may receive custodial medical treatment or care.

There are no plans under consideration in the Department for introducing additional custodial drug treatment centres.

Government policy in relation to drugs underlines the importance of providing opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use to a drug-free life, where that is achievable. In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Health Service Executive has reoriented the addiction services in recent years so that they are capable of dealing with all substances. The HSE is continuing to develop the spread and range of addiction services to achieve better coverage across the country, especially in areas most affected by the drug problem. Treatment is provided through a network of statutory and non-statutory agencies, using a four tier model of service delivery. The four tier model is based on the principle that drug treatment is best provided at the lowest level of complexity, matching the patient's needs and as close to the patient's home as possible.