Ms Ruby Lawlor:

I would argue, and I mentioned this earlier, that when gardaí use the diversion scheme, which only applies to a certain age group and below, it works quite well. It has evidence behind it but it needs to be brought further through decriminalisation. There is also a need to ramp up investment in communities, harm reduction and specifically youth-tailored harm reduction and drug treatment. As Ms Eastwood said, there is great investment in drug treatment in Ireland. However, we must look at how much of that is tailored towards children and young people. It is minimal, and that is reflective of the reality worldwide too.