Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I thank Senator Conway very much. We are very aware of the issues. The Senator articulated very well that the impact of drugs in disadvantaged communities has been hugely significant. I want to pay tribute to the role played by the task forces in responding. I assure the Senator that the Government is committed to a joined up departmental approach to addressing substance misuse. Task forces have also played a very important role in co-ordinating the responses of the agencies at a local level.

The Senator went on to speak about drug users. There is a debate to be had there. We cannot be contradictory. The same people who are complaining about drug lords and drug use are probably taking recreational cocaine or cannabis. We all have responsibilities.

The HSE helpline is accessible Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The figures have been quite huge. In short, there was a doubling of the number of calls from 2011 to 2020. It is another line of help and assistance. If either of my colleagues, Dr. Keenan or Mr. Walsh, want to comment on those remarks I would be only too happy to let them in.