Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Last week, the citizens' assembly appeared before us. One of the recommendations concerns funding for drug services, recovery services, community services and education. Unless the funding, resources and services are in place, we cannot deliver a new drugs strategy. The sector is chronically underfunded. The Government has failed to support services like drug and alcohol task forces for years. Their funding is shocking for the work they do. They are not given multi-annual funding. If we are serious about a drugs strategy, we must start off with the basics and the basics involve services, funding, community and recovery. This is where we need to put money.

Reference was made earlier to an additional €13.5 million in 2023 and 2024. This is a tiny amount compared to the level of need. How much did the interactive map cost? One third of the money is allocated to community and voluntary groups. Where does the rest go? Why was funding not provided to re-open Keltoi? Was the decision made by the HSE, the Department of Health or the Government?