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

The committee includes representatives of all the main players and is looking at the broad issue. It is vital that funding continues to go to where it is most needed. I am glad the Minister has made the commitment on that here.

Another aspect of the issue involves the approximately €6 million in funding that is being applied to positive mental health projects. There is a role for youth services in that area. I mentioned to the Minister previously that the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund at one time included a small grants fund for projects which needed a few hundred euro or €1,000 for a particular piece of work. It is all about the prevention and education pillar of the national drugs strategy. The other pillars of treatment, rehabilitation and supply control relate to matters after the event. We do not place sufficient emphasis on prevention and education, which is what this is about.

See this speech in context