Ward calls for restoration of dual diagnosis system

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD criticised the Government for not funding the reopening of a public Dual Diagnosis service.

Ward, who also serves as the party’s spokesperson for health, said “dual diagnosis services are being left behind by this Government.”

Keltoi a trauma-informed, state-run residential facility treating addiction and mental health dual diagnosis was closed in March 2020 following the outbreak of Covid-19 and has not been reinstated.

In a response to a parliamentary question to Ward, it emerged Keltoi’s re-opening was not funded in the budget for this year and will miss its targeted reopening date of 2024.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said “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,” he said.

Ward recalled being given assurances by then-Minister for the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD that Keltoi would be reopened after Covid measures had lifted, but 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 5^th 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.”

Ward called the lapse “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,” he stated.