Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their contributions and the work they do. There are many great organisations in Tallaght, where I am from, that provide unbelievable support to our youth.

There should be an education campaign about weed. Everywhere you go, all the kids just think it is nothing, that it is not causing damage and it is nearly a safe drug. It is not getting the proper attention.

Reading through the opening statements, family support comes up a lot. It seems to be quite prevalent in our society that there is a lack of family support for children. When children are in a situation where they are living with parents who are in addiction and the witnesses are trying to work with them, how do we best support them? Is it fair on the children to be left in circumstances which are damaging them? Do the witnesses think the wraparound supports are in place to help children cope with being in those circumstances and show them life does not have to be like that? Should there be an awareness campaign for parents about the effects the living environment can have on children and the destruction it can cause to these children?