The Committee on Health and Children will continue its hearings into the problem of illegal drug use when it will hear from representatives from The Rutland Centre, Merchant’s Quay Project and The Base at its meeting tomorrow, September 15th.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer, TD, said: “Drug abuse continues to be a huge problem for Irish society and this Committee will resume its overview of the issue at our meeting tomorrow.
It is clear that drug use results in psychological, physical and behavioural problems, destroying relationships, tearing apart families, ruining careers and leading to long-term health problems. Drug abuse also has wider implications for society in terms of crime, anti-social behaviour and pressure on the health service.
Understanding the reasons why people use illegal drugs and the work involved in helping people overcome their addictions will enable us to maximise the effectiveness of policy and legislative provisions in this area.
Tomorrow’s meeting provides us with an opportunity to look at the problem of illegal drug use from the perspective of those who deal with it on daily basis, providing services and rehabilitation facilities for those suffering from drug abuse. Each organisation has first-hand experience in dealing with the problem of illegal drug use.
The Rutland Centre, based in South Dublin, is one of a number of facilities in Ireland which has developed in response to the growing need for addition addiction treatment. Founded in 1978 it has become one of the largest residential rehabilitation centres in Ireland.
The Merchants Quay Project was established in 1989 offering a range of services for people affected by drug use and HIV.
Located in Ballyfermot, the Base is working towards rebuilding the lives of children and young people affected by drugs, alcohol, early school leaving, poor education, emotional and psychological problems, economic difficulties, crime, anti-social behaviour and other impacts of disadvantage.”
This meeting will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 15th September, in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000 at 11.30am.