Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised some interesting points. I am committed. We have already increased the budget in my previous two budget terms as Minister of State. The Department funds 280 community drug projects throughout the country. We have to tackle the social determinants of drug use.

It is unfortunate and wrong that departmental officials do not attend various committees. Again, as I said to the Chairperson, if somebody from a Department, agency or other grouping is on these groups, the least that person should do is attend, show an interest and bring back the concerns of the communities to the various educational sections. The Deputy said that education is the weakest link. We need more education and we need to work more closely with the Department of Education to try that bit harder.