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31/08/2007
Call For Nationwide Needle Exchange Programme
A drugs charity has called on the government to introduce needle exchange programmes across the country, as a report revealed an increase in the number of intravenous drug users it was treating.
The latest report by Merchants Quay Ireland - which works with homeless people and drug addicts - showed that more than 1,700 new injectors were treated at the organisation's syringe exchange service in Dublin city centre during 2006.
The charity said that although the vast majority attending the service were heroin users, a fifth of them were also using cocaine.
Speaking at the launch, Tony Geoghegan, the Director of Merchants Quay Ireland, said: "It is discouraging to have to once again point to large numbers of new clients attending our services. While there has been much media focus on cocaine use in recent times, heroin remains a major issue in many parts of Dublin and, increasingly, across the country. In order to effectively address this problem we need significant investment in new first line harm reduction services across all affected areas so that users can, at the earliest opportunity, be brought into the network of treatment services in their own local areas. Syringe Exchange Services are effective not only in minimising the serious risk of blood borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis, but also in encouraging users to take up drug treatment and to work towards a better life."
The report also highlighted the significant number of people from new EU member states seeking help from their homeless services.
(KMcA)
The latest report by Merchants Quay Ireland - which works with homeless people and drug addicts - showed that more than 1,700 new injectors were treated at the organisation's syringe exchange service in Dublin city centre during 2006.
The charity said that although the vast majority attending the service were heroin users, a fifth of them were also using cocaine.
Speaking at the launch, Tony Geoghegan, the Director of Merchants Quay Ireland, said: "It is discouraging to have to once again point to large numbers of new clients attending our services. While there has been much media focus on cocaine use in recent times, heroin remains a major issue in many parts of Dublin and, increasingly, across the country. In order to effectively address this problem we need significant investment in new first line harm reduction services across all affected areas so that users can, at the earliest opportunity, be brought into the network of treatment services in their own local areas. Syringe Exchange Services are effective not only in minimising the serious risk of blood borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis, but also in encouraging users to take up drug treatment and to work towards a better life."
The report also highlighted the significant number of people from new EU member states seeking help from their homeless services.
(KMcA)
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A customer service survey has been launched seeking the views of users of the Passport Service in an effort to improve customer service standards. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, launched the survey, which he said would shape the ongoing reform of how Irish passports are produced and delivered.
05 September 2014
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Major Dublin Hospital Takes €12m Overdraft
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Major Dublin Hospital Takes €12m Overdraft
Tallaght Hospital has had to get a bank overdraft of €12m in order to continue treating patients for the rest of the year. The major Dublin hospital is getting the money from Allied Irish Banks to carry on after over-spending by more than €10m so far this year.
06 May 2014
HSE Launch Investigation Into Death Of Baby At Cavan Hospital
An investigation has been launched in to the death of a new born baby at Cavan General Hospital last month. The Health Service Executive have begun the investigation to try and establish the circumstances that led to the death. According to reports, a consultant at the hospital has been placed on administrative leave.
HSE Launch Investigation Into Death Of Baby At Cavan Hospital
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Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
