Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 10 October 2024

Committee on Drugs Use

A Health-Led Approach: Discussion (Resumed)

9:30 am

Mr. Tony Duffin:

We employ people from diverse backgrounds, which is very helpful. They are English-speaking but many of them speak different languages. We have found that by doing that and improving on it, we attract other people to come in and work with us or we can engage with them on the streets in a more meaningful way. That is very helpful. It does not happen very often but, when we need them, we get translation services to help us. My understanding is that, in general terms, while we have a diverse group of people on the streets, among many of the populations alcohol is the primary problem rather than drugs. That will change with time and we, as a collective - not just Ana Liffey - will have to adapt to support these people as we move forward.