Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

Time is running out for many people and a proper programme must be put in place immediately. The Minister of State pointed out that these steps will be taken in future but every day young people in our communities are becoming addicted to all types of drugs. In five or six years they will be placed on methadone treatment programmes and will probably continue on methadone until they reach their 30s and 40s. The Minister of State must listen to pleas to take immediate action on detoxification facilities.

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