Write a commentNewry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady has said that Alcohol dependency creates a huge burden and that a recommendation in the recent Publication “Every Contact Counts-Improving Access to Treatment for Alcohol Misuse” for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to “invest to save” was essential in order to save lives and money.
The Launch of the “Every Contact Counts” took place in Stormont recently.
“Alcohol related harm here in the North costs £900 million each year, which equates to around one tenth of the entire block grant the Executive receives from Westminster. The access to alcohol treatment rate here is 15% compared to “23% in Italy and 18% in Spain. In terms of both outcomes and cost investing in treatment and support in particular at an earlier stage, would I believe in the long term save lives, change lives for the better, improve society and save money and other resources”
The MLA also had great praise for the work that the Cuan Mhuire (Sr Consilios) Regional Addiction Support Centre on the Dublin Road did in treating and supporting individuals and their family’s impacted upon by alcohol and other addictions.
“In a recent Assembly debate I highlighted the services of care and compassion offered by many Voluntary Agencies and Charities such as Cuan Mhuire and its founder Sr Consilio.
Cuan Mhuire is Ireland’s largest voluntary provider of Rehabilitation Treatment for individuals suffering from addiction and other related issues. Since its formation in 1966 by Sr. Consilio, Cuan Mhuire has treated over 75,000 people.
Its main objective is the rehabilitation of persons suffering from alcohol, drug and gambling addictions and to support the families of those suffering addicts.
At any one time Cuan Mhuire has 600 people in treatment through their nationwide centres in Newry, Athy (Kildare), Bruree (Limerick), Farnanes (Cork) and Coolarne (Galway). It is important that the work of facilities such as Cuan Mhuire are not only recognised but adequately funded and supported by all Departments” said the Newry & Armagh elected representative.
