Ms Siobhán McArdle:

I might just add to that. From a health perspective, we are very much focused on the importance of a health-led approach. That came across in the citizens' assembly as well Our national drug strategy focuses on that. One of the important things that needs to be embedded in that and that has been part of it is not just about prevention but reducing stigma. By addressing stigma, this encourages people to come forward. We can invest in increasing the number of services available but we also need people to feel safe to come forward and feel that it is a good thing to do. We know from the research carried out by the Health Research Board that there has been a significant increase in the numbers of people coming forward. We have to give credit to our services on the ground, be they HSE statutory services or the drugs and alcohol task forces, for their involvement at community level in addressing things like stigma and prevention and information that encourages people to come forward.