Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 29 March 2017
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality
Penal Reform: Simon Communities of Ireland
9:00 am
Frances Black (Independent)
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I thank the witnesses for coming in today. I am very aware of the fantastic work they all do. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be at times, particularly when working on the ground and fire-fighting most of the time. I will ask a hypothetical question. I imagine there is a high percentage of people who are in addiction or have mental health issues. Not all obviously, but I imagine the number would be quite high. Could the witnesses give us an example of a perfect scenario? Someone comes through the courts with an addiction problem, a homelessness issue or a mental health issue. What would the witnesses like to see? How would they see the integrated services working together? What would be the perfect scenario? Perhaps each of the witnesses might say a little on it.