Welfare changes put addiction centre’s future in jeopardy

One of the most established addiction treatment centres in the country has warned its future is in doubt because of changes to welfare payments.

Tabor Lodge, a charity based in Ballindeasig, Cork, reported a €163,000 loss for 2012 and blamed its fortunes on a decision by the Department of Social Protection to restrict support for treatment. The company said a €1,500 exceptional needs payment had previously been available to people seeking help for alcohol, drug, and gambling addictions.

However, it said this had been curtailed since the department took control of the community welfare system in Oct 2011.