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

I will certainly do that. Alcohol is now being integrated in the substance misuse strategy. Many of us think that it should have been there all along. We are aware of recent reports about this country’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol and the cost of that. The task forces with shrinking budgets must take on the alcohol initiative as well.

While I know everybody is at risk of drug abuse, there is a proven link between disadvantage and drug abuse. Disadvantaged communities are more likely to be exposed to drugs. There is inequality in access to rehabilitation services. For some in those communities, the special community employment scheme, SCE, is their only form of rehabilitation. Between 2010 and 2011 there was an 8% increase nationally in drug-related deaths and a 50% increase in the Dublin area.

My constituency colleagues on the Government side and I have seen children as young as ten dabbling in drugs, being used by dealers as runners and look outs. Funding has been given to the youth projects and through the young people’s facilities and services fund. The fund should be constantly monitored to ensure the money goes where it is directed. When it was set up in 1998, it was directed at those children most at risk from drugs. Can we see a commitment to that funding continuing also?

See this speech in context