(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, that exists for the extension of medical treatment for drug abusers in each health board area.

I am at present considering a number of outline proposals which are before my Department for the extension and improvement of services for the medical treatment of drug abusers. These proposals will require development as to detail before I can arrive at any conclusion in respect of them.

(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister satisfied at present, in regard to the treatment of drug abuse, with the facilities that are available in this country, bearing in mind that there is only one drug treatment centre and that is the one at Jervis Street? This is grossly overcrowded due to the massive increase in attendance there and the directors of the centre have indicated that the treatment facilities at present are totally inadequate for the number of people attending who are suffering from the abuse of drugs.

If the Deputy's question is whether I am satisfied with the facilities available, the answer is no. I am having the matter examined. As the Deputy is aware, there is more than one centre for dealing with the problem.