Madam, - The overcrowding and misuse of the Accident and Emergency units in our hospitals, especially in Dublin, has become such a problem that a solution must be found. May I suggest establishing a designated centre in a centre city location for victims of alcohol and drug abuse?
This centre would be staffed by suitably qualified medical staff. Ambulances would take drunk and drugged people to this centre rather than to hospitals. They would be cared for overnight. When they sobered up, they, or their parents, would be presented with a bill for the night's care and attention.
If the bill is paid by them or their parents they are free to go. If not, they should be discharged into the care of the Garda, where they would be charged with being drugged or drunk in a public place. Being presented with a bill for €300-plus would make parents take more interest in the actions of their offspring.
Needless to say there would be counselling services available at the centre for any person willing to avail of them. Is it worth a trial? - Yours, etc.,
EVELYN McGUIGAN,
Dundrum,
Dublin 14.