Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee and for the time and resources they have dedicated to engaging with us today. I also particularly thank them for the presentation they give in September in the audiovisual room. It is important both to raise these issues and put them on the record and to give the wider public an opportunity to understand the valuable work the witnesses undertake. The work they do is unbelievable and I give them great credit for it.

Some important points were raised in the opening statement about adverse community experience, how substance use intersects with poverty, which has been just mentioned again, social inclusion and intergenerational trauma. It is not possible to achieve a truly health-led approach without acknowledging the root causes and addressing the impact that long-term austerity policies and under-resourcing has had on individuals and communities. Deputy Kenny touched on a similar point as the one I wish to make. Why is there a lack of political will in this particular area? There is no doubt but that this issue is at the end of the ladder of priorities. I find it frustrating in the work I do with The RISE Foundation. What are the thoughts of the witnesses on the lack of political will in this regard?