Wednesday 15th June 2005 - The Drug Treatment Centre Board (DTCB) has today launched a new frequently asked question (FAQ) section on its website; www.addictionireland.ie. This website provides information on drug use and its associated risks. Funding was provided by Dublin Bus under its Community Support Programme. Niall Quinn, former International footballer, as patron of the Dublin Bus Community Support Programme, was invited by the organisation to push the button for the FAQ section to go live. Minister of State, Noel Ahern with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy will also attend the launch today.

Speaking at the launch of the new FAQ Section of the DTCB’s website, Sheila Heffernan, General Manager thanked Dublin Bus for their grant of €5,000, which is yet another demonstration of a partnership approach and was pivotal in allowing them create the new FAQ section. She also stated that “the provision of both education and support is fundamental to successful treatment, care and management of those affected by substance misuse”. Denis McCarthy, Chairman of the Drug Treatment Centre Board said that “following on from the success of our National Educational Seminar Programme the further enhancement of our website is yet another element of our organisation’s national remit and commitment to delivering comprehensive education in the area of substance misuse”.

Minister Ahern said “I would like to congratulate The Drug Treatment Centre Board and Dublin Bus on this initiative, I can see the enormous value the website can make both locally and nationally”.

The DTCB is just one of the 140 Dublin charities and non-profit groups that were awarded grants last year by Dublin Bus under its Community Support Programme. To date, Dublin Bus has donated over €230,000 to such organisations in recognition of the work that they do on a daily basis in the local community. Commenting at the event, Niall Quinn outlined his support for both the DTCB and projects like the Community Support Programme. “Organisations like The Drug Treatment Centre Board provide an essential service that is crucial in improving the lives of those in the local community.  The website will ensure information is available to all. I am privileged to be involved in a programme which recognises their invaluable work”, he said.

Due to the success of last year’s inaugural programme, Dublin Bus has continued its Community Support Programme and will be awarding grants to local charities and voluntary groups at a later date in the summer. It is envisioned that success of the programme will be continued into future years.

For further information please contact:

The Drug Treatment Centre Board
Ms Sheila Heffernan,
General Manager,
Trinity court,
30-31 Pearse Street,
Dublin 2.

Telephone: 6488677
Fax: 6488708
Email: gmo@dtcb.ie
Website: www.addictionireland.ie

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