Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

There is much more to this than detox beds. Deputy Wall put his finger on it when he said the real answer is diversion. We must treat those who have a problem with drugs and examine how we can keep young people away from drugs. The work we are doing is incredibly important. We must reduce demand and divert people away from drugs.

As in other areas of life, we often focus on curing rather than preventing a problem. I believe the only way to reduce drug abuse is by encouraging young people to get involved in activities and away from the scene which encourages drug use. We must continue to reduce supply. However, supply will to a certain extent follow the market. If we can reduce the market for drugs, a reduction in supply will follow.

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