Pubdate: Fri, 18 Aug 2000
Source: Irish Times, The (Ireland)
Copyright: 2000 The Irish Times
Contact:  11-15 D'Olier St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Fax: + 353 1 671 9407
Website: http://www.ireland.com/
Author: Clare Murphy

INITIATIVE TO HELP RECOVERING ADDICTS

A new initiative to help recovering north Dublin drug addicts obtain 
employment has been commended by the Minister of State for Tourism, Sport 
and Recreation, Mr Eoin Ryan.

The Labour Inclusion Programme will initially run as a two-year pilot 
scheme catering for 20 recovering addicts. A range of bodies including 
ICTU, IBEC, Northside Partnership, the Local Drugs Task Force, Citywide and 
community and voluntary service providers will work together on the programme.

Mr Ryan said he had no hesitation in recommending the scheme to Government. 
"The new programme could be described as the final stage of a process which 
will see people move from treatment towards full reintegration into society."

He said he was extremely optimistic the programme would succeed. "It is 
certainly my hope that following the pilot we will be able to replicate 
this very necessary service in other parts of the city," Mr Ryan added.

The programme will target the areas of Darndale, Priorswood, Belcamp, 
Edenmore and Kil barrack.

Pre-employment training will be given in personal development, interview 
skills, teamwork skills and computers.

After employment is secured a key worker will offer support and counselling 
to the person as required. Within the company an employee will be trained 
as a mentor and a company awareness programme will encourage the 
development of a supportive environment.

Mr Peter Foran, co-ordinator of the North East Local Drug Task Force, said 
the programme would educate those in the companies as well as recovering 
addicts.

Ms Marian Vickers of the Northside Partnership said the programme would be 
a challenge. "We are acknowledging that there will be relapses but we are 
confident that with the level of commitment of all of the groups we can 
reach our objectives," she added.

Mr Brendan Butler, director of social policy in IBEC, said the programme 
addressed a social issue by enabling a marginalised group to benefit from 
the country's economic success, but he stressed it also addressed a hard 
business issue.

The programme will seek participants who have participated in 
community-based methadone programmes for over three months and in a basic 
education programme.
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