Drug Counselling Gap  Worsens– Crowe



Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has said he has written to the Health Minister James O Reilly seeking assurances that an important Counselling post within the existening Youth Drugs and Alcohol Service (YoDA) in Tallaght will  not be the victim of cuts and  that key posts will be maintained by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Deputy Crowe was responding to proposals by the  Health Service Executive  not to fill a  Youth Counselling job vacancy,  which he said would have a serious impact on young people who have substance abuse problems..

Deputy Seán Crowe;

“According to the HSE’s own website, YoDA ensures that appropriate services and treatment are provided to young people with substance abuse problems and aims to reduce the harm caused to minors by their drug or alcohol use.

“A UNICEF Ireland report published in 2011 showed  widespread drug and alcohol consumption among young people and the pivotal  role these substances play in their lives.

“Communities like Tallaght have been hugely affected and  many families and their  neighbourhoods have paid a heavy price for the widespread availability of illegal drugs like Benzodiazepines, Cocaine and Heroin.
“We know that the proliferation of drugs, the crisis and its fall out is effecting every town and village in Ireland.
It is a very lucky family that has not been effected by this growing crisis.
The Minister for Health James O Reilly has to wake up  to the realisation that it is  vitally important that the very limited resources that are currently in place, to deal with this complex issue including  youth addiction, are if not enhanced at least maintained at their current levels.
“There are huge concerns in Tallaght that a Yo DA Counsellor who resigned earlier this year will not be replaced by the HSE in a move that would have serious implications for adolescents living in this particular area.
“The danger is that if this is allowed to happen in a area like Tallaght, then it will be replicated in other areas that have an addiction challenge.

“Clearly, in these difficult economic times, young people are facing enormous challenges and those who succumb to alcohol or drugs abuse need support and encouragement, otherwise they face a very bleak future.

“I have asked the Health Minister James Reilly to clarify matters and offer assurances that posts like this will be filled immediately.

“We need to see greater evidence that the Minister and his Government. see the tens of thousands of young people living  with addiction as a priority and that frontline Counselling services will be maintained. ”