Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. On decriminalisation, Mr. Mullins pointed out that the middle class will probably get the benefit of it, whereas for people who are working class or come from disadvantaged areas, it might make no difference, and that made sense. We are looking to make a change here on foot of the citizens' assembly. The war on drugs has not worked. Everyone knows that now. What can we do, therefore, to make a difference? It is our job in the Dáil to legislate. There has been a lot of food for thought. On a political note, I was very disappointed that the word "addiction" was not mentioned in yesterday’s budget. A citizens' assembly made 20 recommendations for more investment or supports and there was not a bob in the budget for it. The question I am asking today is what stage we are at here. The witnesses spoke about investment and about how, when money was put into youth services and they were targeted and supported, benefits were seen.

Dr. Lambert wrote an article recently on bereavement and the grief felt by those who work in the addiction sector. That is probably an overlooked issue that people who are on the front line go through. Will she comment on that?