Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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I fully accept what the Chair is saying. For instance, with regard to the issue of intimidation the Garda has now appointed more than 30 inspectors throughout the country specifically to deal with the issue of intimidation. In my constituency people have come in to me who are being intimidated by drug dealers. We have appointed 30 Garda inspectors specifically to deal with that issue.

The growth of the illegal drug trade is huge and there is no question about that. There is the increase of the social inclusion budget of €40.5 million.

It is about doing a whole lot of different things and working with communities. One of the big complaints is the number of people who are staying in night shelters overnight and are back on the streets in the morning. It is about having the appropriate level of day centres to deal with them in which we can offer a whole lot of services. That is something we need to develop, as well as working with the HSE and the drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities. A lot of good work is being done that we do not see in the newspapers or media. People have made huge commitments and are dedicated to delivering those services and giving that support.

Another interesting point is the number of people who have come through rehabilitation and are being employed by different agencies because they know what it is like to sleep on the streets and to be involved in drug addiction. Depaul Housing has employed a number of people who were addicted to drugs and living on the street but have since come through a programme and are now working with the organisation to help others. Take the example of someone who is addicted to drugs and is living on the street, and who has a medical appointment. Depaul Housing makes sure that such people keep their appointments and turn up on time so they can be assisted. It also helps people to get more stable accommodation. All of that is happening. A lot of good work is being done by a considerable number of agencies, as well as by the HSE and local authorities. The Deputy is right that we need to work towards a comprehensive programme in every area. We also need to get out the message. Someone made the point to me recently that we constantly talk about physical health and do not talk about brain health. If you drink excessively or take drugs, you are likely to suffer brain damage. We do not talk enough about that. Young people start experimenting with drugs and find, within a very short period of time, that they are addicted. The big challenge is trying to get them away from the addiction.