Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that answer. Part of the problem is that accommodation for those in recovery from addiction is falling between two stools, the Minister's Department and the Department of Health. My question relates to the difficulty with drug-free accommodation especially in the Dublin area generally. Anyone who has worked with those in addiction knows that we need the optimum circumstances for those who are in recovery to continue in recovery.

There are difficulties at the moment with some of the hostel accommodation. Since there is a crisis, those who are currently using are being put in the same accommodation as those who are drug-free. I met a group of young men recently in one of these hostels. It is a matter between Dublin City Council, Depaul Ireland, YMCA and the HSE and they are working on this together. However, it simply does not make sense for these young men and women who are in recovery. They have come through the rehabilitation process and are linked with projects. They have their lives back on track and are doing remarkably well. Now, that recovery is being made vulnerable because those currently using and living chaotic lives are moving into the same accommodation. Where is the drug-free accommodation? Where are we on that?

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