Ms Jackie McKenna:

Using volunteers and utilising the lived experience of volunteers is a very cost effective model that we are handing to the Government on a plate because, as has been said, statistics show that up to six people in a family are affected when one family member is addicted. It is not just one person and the person in addiction. Up to six people in a family will need access to counselling, 5-step programmes, brief interventions or whatever because of the trauma they live with.

Families are at the core of every community in Ireland so it makes sense that families are supported and given the skills that they need. Of course when families are supported and given skills they will be far more effective in the rehabilitation process but they will also help to build resourceful and resilient communities.