The Ministry of Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler, has announced that plans for expanding residential facilities for people requiring intensive treatment for their addiction to drugs will be realised before the end of the year.

Commenting in a press release Mr. Butler said: "Due to rising demand for residential treatment facilities, and difficulties in meeting current demand, it is crucial that we expand our on-island capacity."

Mr. Butler said his Ministry through the Department for National Drug Control is currently working with the Ministry of Works and Engineering to secure long-term leases on three properties that would be suitable for the programme. He said no new construction would be required.

He also revealed that a new co-educational Treatment facility, promised in the 2006 Throne Speech, would increase the number of beds by over two thirds to almost 40.

Addicts who successfully complete a drug treatment programme would be able to take advantage of a new transitional living facility, which would have a total of 20 available spaces.

The Department of National Drug Control is also working with the Department of Court Services to review treatment programmes in the correctional facilities, so that the needs of prisoners are adequately addressed.

Mr. Butler added that while his Ministry would do all it could to ensure that Bermuda had adequate facilities for those who choose to seek treatment, prevention programmes would ultimately give best value for money and the Minister promised that he would unveil at least one new prevention initiative early this year.