Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for being here today. The issue around addiction and the particular challenges of co-occurring needs is an area in which I am particularly interested. I have formed the impression in my short time in the Oireachtas that we are not doing a very good job in allowing people proper access where there are co-occurring issues. I might direct some of my questions to a particular group but if anyone wants to come in, they should please do so.

I would like to start with that point of access when people look for services and seek help. Both groups talked about working with other institutions or service providers. I am interested in the level of communication, particularly between the groups and institutions like the Garda. Perhaps we could start with the Garda but I also want to move on to the accident and emergency services issue. I do not know who wants to take that. I am interested in the level of communication and information sharing between the groups and the Garda.