Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has criticised the Government for not funding the reopening of a public Dual Diagnosis service.
Keltoi, a trauma-informed and state-run residential facility treating addiction and mental health dual diagnosis was closed in March 2020.
In a response to a parliamentary question, Teachta Ward was informed that Keltoi’s re-opening has not been funded in the budget for this year and will miss its targeted reopening date of 2024.
Teachta Ward said:
“Dual diagnosis services are being left behind by this Government.
“In February of 2023 my Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill was debated at second stage.
“This was pushed down the road by Government for 12 months to allow for the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs to take place.
“During the debate I called for the reopening of Keltoi the Dual Diagnosis inpatient services.
“I then received a PQ response that stated that Keltoi would reopen in 2024.
“Keltoi a trauma-informed, state-run residential facility treating addiction and mental health dual diagnosis was closed in March 2020 during Covid Restrictions and has not re-opened since.
“Having worked in front-line addiction centres professionally I am aware first hand of the service that Keltoi provides.
“This is a vital rehabilitation service for people that would help them to fully recover from addiction and to learn new coping skills.
“Keltoi is also one of the very few facilities that provides a service for people with dual diagnosis of mental health and addiction issues.
“I was given assurances by the then Minister for the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD that Keltoi would be reopened after Covid measures had ended. This has not happened.
“I have now been informed by the HSE that funding for the reopening of Keltoi has not been allocated for this year and so, this will be the 5th year that Keltoi will not be in operation and it is unlikely to be opened in the lifetime of this Government.
“Work is ready to go to upgrade the building which is located in St Marys Hospital in the Phoenix Park and there is a plan to provide en-suite facilities in each of the bedrooms.
“This is another false promise by Government. Plans need to be followed up with funding.
“We may have a third Minister responsible for the National Drugs Strategy in a possible reshuffle in the lifetime of this Government. It appears that it could just be a title for Fine Gael, rather than a responsibility.
“Dual diagnosis services cannot continue to be left behind by this Government.”
ENDS
Note to Editor:
– Click here to view PQ response 1.
– Click here to view PQ response 2.
– Click here to view Frank Feighan’s comments referenced above.
