Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is alarming statistic. I am always in favour of prevention rather than cure. There is a wealth of experience among the three members of the deputation in dealing with thousands of people coming through the doors of St. Patrick's Hospital annually over many years. What are we doing wrong? I will re-phrase the question in less general terms. What can we do that has not been done already and that we could be doing?

Society has a great deal to answer for in terms of addiction and mental health, bearing in mind what Professor Lucey said earlier about those under the age of 25 years. Many of these issues stem from home, families and parents. What can we do that we are not doing? I am keen to know. We want to see fewer people going through the doors of St. Patrick's Hospital in future.