Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 20 June 2024

Committee on Drugs Use

Drug Use Policy: HSE, Department of Justice and Department of Health

9:30 am

Photo of Thomas GouldThomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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My apologies for interrupting but I wish to correct something. We have figures about people trying to access detox, rehab beds and residential beds. There is a significant shortage there so for it is not correct to say there is none. These are figures I received from the Department or Minister. We need a massive roll-out of beds in that sector. People have to pay a fee to access treatment. In many cases, the fee is €90, €100 or €120. These are vulnerable people. Access should be free. We need more beds. I do not accept the point that there is no backlog.