Ms Anna Quigley:

On the issue the councillor raised about recovery housing, which I think was the phrase used, we know that the Portuguese, when introducing decriminalisation, introduced a policy on providing both employment and housing supports. They recognised that if someone is in insecure housing or homeless, recovery will be much difficult. They shifted investment towards those supports and that proved to be a very successful approach. However, they are very honest about the fact that currently in Portugal, as in Ireland, there is a housing crisis and that this makes it much more difficult to introduce such a policy. The principle makes complete sense. Being in treatment or trying to deal with issues while homeless is clearly impossible. The experience in Portugal absolutely points to a model but the Portuguese are saying now that it presents a big challenge in the middle of a housing crisis. That is part of the reality but it does not mean the model should not be considered.

I wanted to pick up on another point but my mind has gone blank and I cannot remember what it was.