§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement outlining how his Department's aim of building care in the community is to 553W be pursued in relation to the treatment of alcoholism and funding for centres for advice, treatment, education and research on alcoholism.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe recently issued strategic planning guidelines drew the attention of health and social services boards to the need for a shift in emphasis and transfer of resources from hospital care towards the development of community alternatives. The need to change the balance of care applies to services for a wide range of problems including those caused by alcohol abuse. Boards have been asked to reflect this objective in the future planning of services.
Substantial financial support is provided to three voluntary agencies working in the field of alcohol advice, treatment, education and research. The Department and boards will continue liaising with those bodies to ensure that such resources are being used efficiently and effectively.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future of the three alcohol advice centres in the western area administered by the Northlands centre in Derry.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe Department of Health and Social Services will continue to fund the centres for a further three-month period when the present temporary arrangement for support ends on 31 March. The limited extension of departmental funding will enable consideration to be given by the Western health and social services board and the Department to the arrangements which might be appropriate in providing financial assistance in the future to the Northlands centre.