Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

Regarding submissions to the national drug strategy, did the question of linking drugs and alcohol arise in trying to overcome the major problems that exist? Regarding the fragmentation of support groups in the country there does not seem to be any co-ordinated effort to align them to have a main thrust. There is a wonderful woman in Athy called Sister Concilio, who has facilities in Down, Galway, Bruree in Limerick, Cork and Athy. This was undertaken with her own initiative and funding. She has provided some residential services. There is also the St. John of God service. Is there any detailed evidence on amalgamating the two major problems in the submissions received? Regarding the overall picture, why is this so fragmented with so many groups seeking to alleviate the problem of drugs and drink?

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