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News & Events
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Tony Geoghegan on Country Mix FM
18th August 2010
Tony Geoghegan, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland talks about drug issues and treatment in Ireland on Country Mix FM (17/06/2010). Click here to hear the podcast. 
Carolyn Harvey completes Great Ireland Run and raises funds for Merchants Quay.
26th May 2010
On 18th April 2010 Carolyn Harvey ran for the first time in the Great Ireland Run in the Phoenix Park Dublin, finishing the 10km run in the breathtaking time of 55.55. She was raising funds for Merchants Quay Ireland. Carolyn “felt compelled to help”, moved by the people she had seen living on the streets of Dublin.
Congratulations to Carolyn on her impressive time and many thanks for her fundraising efforts on behalf of Merchants Quay. The money raised will go towards providing much needed services throughout the country from drug treatment to a warm meal for the homeless.
If you would like to take part in any upcoming races or marathons in order to fundraise for Merchants Quay Ireland, please check out our website’s Marathon section or contact us directly on (01) – 524 0160 or by email fundraising1@mqi.ie to receive your MQI Fundraising pack.
Golf Classic in aid of MQI
16th May 2010
On a beautiful Sunday in Wicklow the Powerscourt Golf Club held their Golf Classic to benefit the work of Merchants Quay Ireland. The classic was a huge success and we wish to thank everyone who donated and took part in making it such a success. The funds raised will join with the donations of others in making a real difference to people struggling with homelessness and addiction in Ireland.
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| The winning team at the Powerscourt Golf Classic |
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If you or your club are interested in playing a benefit or tournament on behalf of Merchants Quay Ireland please contact us at (01) – 524 0115 or by email at denisa.casement@mqi.ie.
John Murphy – Latest single will benefit MQI
22nd March 2010
Irish Country Music artist John Murphy has released a new original single 'A Tribute to Veronica Guerin'. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Merchant’s Quay Ireland.
www.murphycountry.com
“Veronica gave her life to save the lives of our children. Her sacrifice to rid our towns and cities of the misuse and abuse of drugs must never be forgotten. This tribute is one of my finest original numbers and it will feature again, on my forthcoming album which will be launched later this year.” – John Murphy
Cork Certificate and Diploma 2010/11 Open for Applications
6th January 2010
Cork Certificate: MQI is currently taking applications for the Cork Certificate & Diploma in Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention Skills. Please see our training section for more details.
Training Calendar 2010
6th January 2010
Merchant Quay Ireland has launched its training calendar for 2010. Please see our training section for more details.
MQI in the News
Recent stories in the news
8th January 2010
IRISH INDEPENDENT:
I just wouldn't have lasted another year on the streets
"IF YOU had put me in a fridge, I would have been warmer," a homeless man said.
Like most other people, I rushed through the Christmas, spending a shocking amount of money while quietly, yet knowingly, forgetting those on the margins. read more...
TRIBUNE NEWS:
If you're truly vulnerable, life is a matter of survival
Among the unseen ranks of the Merchants Quay Centre's clients, no one is preparing a budget submission, or going on strike, or calling themselves 'vulnerable' on radio. read more...
IRISH INDEPENDENT:
Difference between life and death is knowing the score
A number of young men were hospitalised following parties in Dublin over the weekend. They are believed to have taken liquid ecstasy. Such stories are very familiar to us at Merchants Quay Ireland, where we have been providing services for drug users for the past 20 years. read more...
RTE TV:
Heroin use a 'national crisis'
Mike Milotte reports on the growing problem of heroin use, both in the capital and in the country. Click here to watch the video on the RTE web site.
Newsletter
October 2009
8th October 2009
Click here to read the latest edition of the Merchants Quay newsletter.
In this edition:
From Heroin Addiction to Academic Honours- how a former addict kicked his habit with MQI's help and went on to complete our course in Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention Skills with distinction.
Annual Review 2008 Launched
Heroin Now a National Crisis – Merchants Quay Ireland
29th September 2009
The Merchants Quay Ireland Annual Review for 2008 was launched today, Tuesday the 29th of September, by Mr. Ryan Tubridy of RTE.
Click here to open the report in a new window
The report showed that 5,286 persons attended MQI’s drugs services in 2008. Of these 942 were new clients at our needle exchange services – this represents almost 20 new injectors per week, every week, over the course of the entire year. The report also highlights a continuing high level of demand for homeless services with an increase of 12% in interventions made with homeless people and a 4% increase in the number of meals provided during the year.
The report identifies the growing need for new services addressing heroin use in cities and towns outside of Dublin, with MQI now delivering much needed services in Carlow, Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Longford as well as in their traditional Dublin base.
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| Tony Geoghegan with Ryan Tubridy at the launch |
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Speaking in advance of the launch, MQI CEO Tony Geoghegan said:
“In 2008 we have seen an alarming increase in drug use outside of Dublin. Heroin respects no borders and users are now to be found in all areas from Ballyshannon to Ballydehob. Cities such as Cork and Waterford that might have been considered relatively unscathed five years ago now have significant problems. Heroin use is a national crisis.
“We now need a national network of crisis, treatment and family support services aimed at ensuring that help is available at the earliest possible opportunity, before problems become entrenched. The new National Drugs Strategy provides a framework for this but has made no commitment regarding resources. This is shortsighted. British research shows that for every £1 spent on drug treatment £3 is saved in terms of social, health and criminal justice related expenditure. In this era of slashing and snipping we would ask that Government bears in mind the fact that early and effective intervention is the most cost effective way of addressing the drugs problem.
In this era it is important that all of us play a role in finding effective solutions to the drugs crisis. It is encouraging to see the corporate sector playing their part with Vodafone providing MQI with funding and support to develop a new Family Support Service aimed at the families of Drug Users in Dublin. In these difficult times this development provides a shining example of Families, the Business Community and the Voluntary Sector working together to make a real difference”.
Editors Notes
Merchants Quay Ireland is a leading Irish charity working with homeless persons and drug users. The organisation provides services ranging from open access crisis intervention and health promotion services, to day support programmes, educational programmes, vocational training and settlement support services.
Launch Details
When: Tuesday 29th of September 2009
Time: 11.00 am
Where: Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin 8
Bord Gais Volunteers
Volunteers from Bord Gais spread some Christmas Cheer
21st December 2008
Bord Gais employees make Christmas cheerful for everyone at Merchants Quay. Year after year they have arrived, the Sunday before Christmas, with a van load of hats, gloves and special treats for our clients. They even bring their own Santa to hand out the gift bags. Our Christmas just wouldn’t be as Merry without this dedicated group of volunteers. Thank you for your generosity and dedication over the years.
Ulster Bank Volunteers
Volunteers from Ulster Bank brighten up Chapelizod
15th December 2008
Ulster Bank arrived at Chapelizod with a spirited team of volunteers, eager to leave their mark on Merchants Quay. They brought with them hanging baskets and beautiful, bright containers full of flowers. Everyone got to right work painting the exterior trim (and sometimes each other) a cheerful periwinkle blue. Once the painting was finished the flower baskets were hung and the containers of plants and flowers were arranged around the entrance. By the end of the day our building had a complete makeover.
MQI’s team of clients and staff at Chapelizod offer a heartfelt thank you to Ulster Bank for making the exterior of our building cheerful and welcoming. Ulster Bank is a member of Business in The Community and worked with them to complete this project.
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| The team from Ulster Bank |
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Deloitte Ireland Volunteers
Volunteers from Deloitte Ireland make great contribution
10th November 2008
Deloitte Ireland brought two teams of enthusiastic, energetic volunteers to MQI for a whirlwind work day. In just one day they gave the facilities at both Chapelizod and Ballymount an incredible makeover. With 60 pairs of willing hands, the teams repainted both buildings and did clean up and landscaping. The clients who participate daily in our programs at Chapelizod and Ballymount send a big thank you to all the volunteers from Deloitte. You’ve made our days brighter and our work lighter!
Annual Review 2007 Launched
Any attack on services for the poorest people in society is an attack on society itself, says Geoghegan
12th September 2008
The Merchants Quay Ireland Annual Review for 2007 was launched today, Friday the 12th of September, by Mr. John Curran T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy.
The report showed that 1,333 new injectors attended MQI’s needle exchange service in 2007. The report also highlights a continuing high level of demand for homeless services with an increase of 11% in the numbers of meals provided for homeless people and a 33% increase in the numbers seeking help from MQI’s primary health care services.
Speaking at the launch, MQI CEO Tony Geoghegan said “In reflecting back over 2007 one can’t but help being struck by the harsh reality of life for our service users. It is ironic that while Ireland enjoyed unprecedented economic success and prosperity the drugs issue continued to grow and people continued to sleep rough on our cities streets. The old adage “a rising tide lifts all boats, was not true for the people availing of our services. It is depressing to see that as times have got tougher some of the first cutbacks announced were targeted at services for homeless people, drug users and other vulnerable groups. This year we and other voluntary service providers got a 1% decrease in funding from the HSE for our drugs services and an increase of just 2% from Dublin City Council for our homeless services. Actual costs have risen by more than 5% so we have in fact taken a significant hit. These cutbacks will translate directly into cuts in vital services for homeless people and drug users.
“Our experience at Merchants Quay Ireland is that drug treatment works. Similarly, we know that there are pathways out of homelessness. If we are serious as a society about addressing these issues we need investment in services not cutbacks.
“To address the twin crises of homelessness and problem drug use we need a network of crisis and emergency services at local level to ensure that help is available at the earliest possible opportunity, before problems become entrenched. The key to solving the problem of homelessness is investment in long term housing for homeless people with the supports in place to ensure they do not fall back into homelessness. An effective drugs strategy must involve the development of an appropriate mix of treatment services from harm reduction initiatives to residential drug free treatment across the country.
“From the vantage point of 2008 and the climate of economic downturn and recession I am fearful that Government may be too much focussed on the short term need to make savings. Investment in services will lead to much greater savings in the long run. We have spent the last decade addressing a crisis that was created by a failure to invest in vital social services in the 1980s. It would be a tragedy if the same mistakes were to be made in the current recession. In attacking the current financial crisis the Government must make sure that services for vulnerable people are protected and developed. Any attack on services for the poorest people in society is an attack on society itself”.
Editors Notes
Merchants Quay Ireland is a leading Irish charity working with homeless persons and drug users. The organisation provides services ranging from open access crisis intervention and health promotion services, to day support programmes, educational programmes, vocational training and settlement support services.
Launch Details
When: Friday 12th of September 2008
Time: 10.15a.m.
Where: Refectory, Franciscan Friary, 4 Merchants Quay Dublin 8
For more information contact Denisa Casement on 01- 604 0082 denisa.casement@mqi.ie
Corporate Philanthropy
Fran & Jane Fashion Show teams Fashion with Compassion
8th September 2008
Fran & Jane, one of Ireland's longest running fashion labels, debuted their vibrant new collection at the Krystle nightclub on Friday, August 29th. Attendees enjoyed champagne and canap?s as the models sashayed in everything from coats to red carpet worthy gowns. Proceeds from the event will help Merchants Quay continue to transform the lives of vulnerable people living with drug problems or homeless.
A heartfelt Thank You to Fran & Jane from the clients and staff at Merchants Quay.
National Drug Strategy Submission
Read Merchants Quay Ireland’s Submission to the Review of the National Drug Strategy.
Click here to open the submission
Seminar hears calls for expansion of needle exchange services across the country
Press Release
3rd April 2008
Drugs service professionals attending a seminar on harm reduction services for drug users today heard calls for the urgent expansion of harm reduction services to address the high risks associated injecting drug use. The seminar ‘An Injection of Common Sense’ was organised to mark the launch a new guide on safer injecting techniques for drug users and was opened by the Minister of State, with Special Responsibility for the National Drug Strategy Mr. Pat Carey T.D.
Neil Hunt, founding director of the UK Harm Reduction Alliance and keynote speaker said that "In many respects, injecting drug users have become the lepers of industrialised western society: commonly regarded as the authors of their own mistakes, they are often despised, feared, and misunderstood. Working with such a stigmatised and marginalised population presents enormous challenges. He argued further that “'harm reduction’ entirely underpins such work and involves a combination of clearly-evidenced interventions in conjunction with innovative approaches carefully geared towards keeping injecting drug users alive by preventing blood-borne infections and overdose deaths. Although we should have greater aspirations than simply preserving the lives of people who inject, achieving nationwide coverage with high quality harm reduction programmes that do this is an absolutely essential foundation for any effective drug strategy, as no other intervention can work once a drug user is dead".
Tony Geoghegan, Director of Merchants Quay Ireland said “It is really encouraging to have to the Minister with responsibility for the National Drug Strategy, Pat Carey, here to open this event and to launch the Safer Injecting Guide as it demonstrates his real commitment to reducing harm for the most vulnerable drug users. “For many Harm Reduction is the first step towards addressing their drug use and access to needle exchange and other harm reduction services can be instrumental in reducing risk of HIV and drugs overdose. In the new national strategy we need to see a commitment to the extension of needle exchange programmes nationwide including evenings and weekends, It is also important” he suggested “to explore some of the interventions which have been successful internationally e.g. Safer Injecting Facilities where drug users are allowed to inject drugs onsite in an effort to reduce; the sharing of injecting equipment, injuries which result from poor injecting techniques and the number of drug related deaths. The development of this new drug strategy provides us with the opportunity to be innovative, creative and effective by introducing measures which will have a lasting impact on the health and the quality of life of so many drug users”.
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New: Safer Injecting Guide
Editors Notes
Merchants Quay Ireland is a leading Irish charity working with homeless persons and drug users. The organisation provides services ranging from open access crisis intervention and health promotion services, to day support programmes, educational programmes, vocational training and settlement support services.
Seminar & Lunch Details
When: Thursday 3rd April 2008
Time: 9.45 am – 1pm
Where: Conference Room, Merchants Quay Ireland, 4 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8
Safer Injecting Seminar
…An Injection of Common Sense…
A seminar focussing on reducing the harm associated with injecting drug use and promoting positive health responses & The launch of the MQI ‘Safer Injecting Guide’ By Minister of State Pat Carey, TD , Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaelteacht Affairs with Special Responsibility for the National Drug Strategy and Community Affairs.
Click here to download more details
Keynote Speaker: Neil Hunt
Founding Director - UK Harm Reduction Alliance
Also speaking at this seminar
Ruaidhri McAuliffe – Coordinator UISCE
Lynda Harran – RGN, Primary Health Care Service MQI
The panel will be chaired by Tony Geoghegan, Director – MQI
Seminar Details
Date: 3rd April 2008
Time: 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. (Registration, tea & coffee will begin at 9.30 a.m.)
Venue: The Conference Room, Merchants Quay Ireland, 4 Merchants Quay, D 8
Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention Skills courses
7th February 2008
Applications are now being accepted for the MQI/UCD Certificate and Diploma level courses in Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention Skills. These courses offer an opportunity to persons working with drug users to gain professional training in this interesting and complex field. The courses run over one academic year (September - May) and includes classroom teaching and placements in specialist drugs services.
For further details/application form, please contact hilda.glennon@mqi.ie or by telephone on 01-645 6520
More information is available on this site here.
Minister Carey Opens Remembrance Garden
PRESS RELEASE
7th December 2007
Minister Carey Opens a Remembrance Garden dedicated to all those who have lost their lives as a tragic consequence of drug use in Ireland
Mr. Pat Carey T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy today officially opened a Remembrance Garden dedicated to all those who have lost their lives as a tragic consequence of drug use in Ireland. The Garden, located at Merchants Quay Ireland’s “St. Francis Farm” residential drug treatment programme in Tullow, Co. Carlow was created by the residents as part of the Therapeutic and Skills based training programme.
Speaking at the opening, Mr. Tony Geoghegan, the Director of Merchants Quay Ireland said “Every day we seem to hear of yet another young person dying as a result of drug use. The tragic loss of a brother or sister, son or daughter at a time when you should be full of hope for their future is devastating for families. This Garden is dedicated to the memory of all those who have died in this way”.
“Here at St. Francis Farm we are very much aware of the devastation and danger associated with drug use, however we also know drug use does not have to end in tragedy. Every day, every week, every month we see that drug treatment works. A focus on intensive individual and group counselling allied to vocational training, and support with reintegration into society can make a real difference. I would encourage anyone who realizes that their drug use is out of control to seek support and treatment as the best means of preventing further tragic deaths”.
St. Francis Farm is a Therapeutic Community & Training Facility. Here we provide a long term residential programme aimed at providing training in a rural setting to former drug users. The programme provides a unique blend of individual and group development, education, and practical skills training in a rural farm setting. Vocational and educational training elements are central to the programme. Residents are offered training in Animal Care, Farming and Market Gardening, Catering and Food Preparation Skills, Social Skills, Personal Development and Computer Skills.
Launch of Annual Review 2006
31st August 2007
PRESS RELEASE
Urgent need for localised services as 1,754 new clients attend City Centre Syringe Exchange
The Merchants Quay Ireland Annual Review for 2006 and new improved website was launched today, Friday the 31st of August, by Mr. Pat Carey T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy.
The review shows that during 2006 more than 1,700 new injectors presented at the organisations syringe exchange service in Dublin City Centre. While the vast majority attending the service were heroin users 20% were also using cocaine.
The review also pointed to significant numbers of persons from new EU member states seeking help from their homeless services.
Speaking at the launch, Tony Geoghegan, the Director of Merchants Quay Ireland said “It is discouraging to have to once again point to large numbers of new clients attending our services. While there has been much media focus on cocaine use in recent times, heroin remains a major issue in many parts of Dublin and increasingly, across the country. In order to effectively address this problem we need significant investment in new first line harm reduction services across all affected areas so that users can, at the earliest opportunity, be brought into the network of treatment services in their own local areas. Syringe Exchange Servcies are effective not only in minimising the serious risk of blood borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis, but also in encouraging users to take up drug treatment and to work towards a better life.”
Going on to talk about Merchants Quay Ireland’s homeless services Mr. Geoghegan said “This year we have seen another increase in the numbers of persons from the new EU states attending our homeless services. On an average day we will work with up to 50 such persons. This trend could be reversed if the Government were to abandon the Habitual Residence Condition. Nonetheless, we now live in a multi-cultural Ireland where for many people English is not their first language. People from these communites are at least as likely to have problems with homelessness and destitution as anyone else. Those of us working in homeless and drugs services need to build our capacity to address the needs of the new Irish”.
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Launch Details
When: Friday 31st August 2007
Time: 10.15 am
Where: Conference Room, Merchants Quay Ireland, 4 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8
Editors Notes
Merchants Quay Ireland is a leading Irish charity working with homeless persons and drug users. The organisation provides services ranging from open access crisis intervention and health promotion services, to day support programmes, educational programmes, vocational training and settlement support services.
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