Dr. Eamon Keenan:

I agree with Mr. Geoghan that the issue of resources is vital. It is all very well having laudable documents and producing strategies - for example, the 2009 strategy - saying that alcohol is now part of an overall substance misuse strategy. The reality is that the resources did not come with that laudable statement. Therefore, there has not been any shift in respect of alcohol services across the country, apart from a few isolated pockets which have gone out of the way and, as Mr. Geoghan says, may be involved in fund raising. Resources are key. This requires money and needs to be properly resourced for people to access treatment. We have a very good methadone delivery service in this country but there is much to be desired in respect of resources relating to cannabis, cocaine, the new psychoactive substances and alcohol.